Non-Conventional Risk Factors: "Fact" or "Fake" in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global cause of death and disability.
• Traditional cardiovascular risk factors are well-defined but may not fully capture individual risk.
• Existing risk assessment models (e.g., Framingham, SCORE2) are crucial for CVD prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define emerging, non-traditional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
• To explore the potential mechanisms linking these factors to CVD development.
• To enhance current cardiovascular risk assessment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current research on non-traditional CVD risk factors.
• Analysis of metabolic and non-metabolic emerging factors.
• Discussion of proposed pathophysiological pathways.

Main Results:

• Identification of several emerging metabolic and non-metabolic factors influencing CVD risk.
• Elucidation of potential biological mechanisms underlying these associations.
• Highlighting the limitations of current risk models in accounting for these new factors.

Conclusions:

• Emerging non-traditional factors significantly impact cardiovascular risk assessment.
• Further research is needed to integrate these factors into clinical practice for improved CVD prevention.
• A comprehensive approach considering both traditional and emerging factors is essential for effective CVD management.