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Dyslipidemia and the Current State of Cardiovascular Disease: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Effect of Lipid
Liam R Brunham1, Eva Lonn2, Shamir R Mehta3
1Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Healthy Heart Program Prevention Clinic, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Insights
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a major global health concern, particularly in Canada. Effective prevention strategies targeting risk factors like dyslipidemia are crucial for reducing ASCVD burden.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Ischemic heart disease and stroke are leading global causes of mortality.
- Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) represents a significant public health challenge, ranking second to cancer deaths in Canada.
- Disease burden exhibits notable variations based on sex, geography, and socioeconomic status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current burden, epidemiology, and risk factors of ASCVD, with a focus on Canada.
- To discuss the universal applicability of epidemiological trends and risk factor management, particularly lipid lowering therapies.
- To highlight emerging risk factors and advanced tools like polygenic risk scores for early identification and prevention.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of ASCVD burden, epidemiology, and risk factors.
- Analysis of epidemiological trends, with emphasis on Canadian data and global relevance.
- Discussion of established and emerging risk factors, including dyslipidemia and polygenic risk scores.
Main Results:
- ASCVD is a leading cause of death globally and in Canada.
- Significant disparities in ASCVD burden exist across different demographic groups.
- Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B are key contributors to ASCVD.
Conclusions:
- Lowering low-density lipoprotein/apolipoprotein B levels is critical for ASCVD treatment and prevention.
- Integrated strategies addressing clinical, social, and economic factors are essential for reducing ASCVD.
- Early identification through tools like polygenic risk scores can enhance preventative measures.
Abstract:
Ischemic heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death worldwide. Herein we review the burden, epidemiology, and risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The focus of this review is on the current state of ASCVD in Canada, however, the findings regarding epidemiological trends are likely to be reflective of global trends, particularly in high-income countries, and the discussion regarding risk factors and lipid lowering is universally applicable. In Canada, the burden of death from ASCVD is second only to cancer deaths. There are major differences in disease burden related to sex, geography, and socioeconomic status. The major risk factors for ASCVD have been identified, although new and emerging risk factors are an active area of research. Recent developments such as polygenic risk scores provide potential to identify individuals at risk for ASCVD earlier in life and institute preventative measures. Dyslipidemia, and in particular elevated concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B are a major cause of ASCVD. Therapies to lower low-density lipoprotein/apolipoprotein B levels are key components to treating and preventing ASCVD. Addressing the causal risk factors for ASCVD in a manner that comprehensively considers the clinical, social, and economic implications of prevention strategies will be essential to reduce the burden of ASCVD and improve outcomes for patients.
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