How much does eliminating one or two cardiovascular risk factors matter?: Evidence from the Global Cardiovascular...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Five key modifiable risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, obesity) contribute to 50% of the global cardiovascular disease burden.
• Recent research indicates that absence of diabetes and smoking is linked to optimal life expectancy and cardiovascular disease-free years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors on life expectancy and years lived free from cardiovascular disease.
• To identify the most influential risk factors and their combined effects on longevity and healthspan.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Global Cardiovascular Risk Consortium.
• Analyzed associations between five modifiable risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, obesity) and cardiovascular outcomes.
• Assessed the impact of eliminating risk factors at midlife on life expectancy and all-cause mortality.

Main Results:

• Absence of diabetes and smoking correlates with the lowest cardiovascular risk and highest life expectancy.
• Lower systolic blood pressure (<130 mmHg), reduced non-HDL cholesterol, and normal body weight are associated with later disease onset and modest life expectancy gains.
• Eliminating hypertension and smoking in midlife yields the greatest increase in years lived free from cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.
• Male sex is a non-modifiable risk factor, and a residual risk of cardiovascular disease exists even in the absence of all considered modifiable factors.

Conclusions:

• Controlling modifiable risk factors, particularly hypertension and smoking, is crucial for extending life and improving cardiovascular health.
• While eliminating major risk factors significantly enhances longevity, a residual lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease persists.
• Public health strategies should focus on comprehensive risk factor management to maximize cardiovascular health and longevity.