Blood-Based and Imaging Biomarkers of Atherosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Biomarker Discovery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a primary cause of arterial thrombosis and acute cardiovascular events.
• Current cardiovascular risk prediction models often lack pathophysiologically relevant biomarkers.
• Emerging biomarkers, including blood-based and imaging markers, show promise for improving risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on blood-based and imaging biomarkers for atherosclerosis.
• To explore the potential of these biomarkers in enhancing cardiovascular risk prediction models.
• To discuss future directions in biomarker research for cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating blood-based biomarkers (cardiac stress, inflammation, matrix remodeling, endothelial dysfunction).
• Review of studies on imaging biomarkers for atherosclerosis detection and event prediction.
• Analysis of the potential clinical applicability and pathophysiological relevance of identified biomarkers.

Main Results:

• Numerous blood-based biomarkers targeting known pathophysiological pathways have been investigated.
• Imaging biomarkers demonstrate promising results for atherosclerosis detection and cardiovascular event prediction.
• Multifactorial nature of cardiovascular disease suggests that multiple biomarkers are needed for improved risk models.

Conclusions:

• Blood-based and imaging biomarkers hold significant potential to enhance current cardiovascular risk prediction models.
• Further research into emerging biomarkers is crucial for improving therapy decision-making.
• Integrating multiple biomarkers is likely key to improving discrimination and reclassification in risk prediction.