Risk factors for atherosclerosis and aging

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Gerontology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a significant health concern, particularly in aging populations.
• Understanding the interplay between cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis is crucial for preventative strategies.
• Previous research indicates a strong association between risk factors and atherosclerosis, but this relationship may change with advanced age.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between common cardiovascular risk factors and the presence/severity of atherosclerosis in community-dwelling older adults.
• To compare the strength of these associations in subjects under 65 versus those aged 65 and over.

Main Methods:

• Doppler ultrasound scans were employed to assess carotid and femoral atherosclerosis in 457 subjects.
• Ultrasonographic findings (plaque presence, number, and stenosis percentage) were correlated with primary cardiovascular risk factors.
• Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors within different age groups.

Main Results:

• Atherosclerosis prevalence, plaque count, and stenosis increased with age.
• Cardiovascular risk factors (age, male sex, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia) were significantly associated with atherosclerosis in the overall cohort and those under 65.
• In subjects aged 65+, only age and male sex remained independently associated with atherosclerosis; cigarette smoking was an independent factor for femoral atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

• While atherosclerosis increases with age, the influence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors diminishes in the elderly (65+).
• Age and male sex are the primary independent predictors of atherosclerosis in older adults.
• The findings suggest a potential shift in the etiological drivers of atherosclerosis in advanced age compared to younger individuals.