- New research has found that risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure need to be addressed early in life to prevent atherosclerosis.
- Atherosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries due to the buildup of plaque caused by calcium, fat, and cholesterol.
- This condition can significantly increase the risk of cardiac events such as stroke and heart attack.
Atherosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries due to the buildup of plaque from calcium, fat, and cholesterol, which can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. It is commonly associated with the elderly.
However, a new study published on Monday outlines an increased risk of so-called “silent atherosclerosis” in young adults, and says that to prevent further progression of the disease, patients must take measures such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure to prevent further progression of the disease. This suggests that risk factors need to be addressed early in life.
The study was conducted at the Spanish Center for Cardiovascular Investigation (CNIC), Journal of the American College of Cardiologyanalyzed the major arteries, including the carotid, femoral, coronary, and aorta, of more than 4,000 healthy middle-aged bank employees in Madrid.
Researchers found that even moderate increases in blood pressure and cholesterol were shown to have a significant impact on the risk of atherosclerosis in young adults.
Risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure may influence a young adult’s likelihood of developing atherosclerosis later in life more than previously known.
Dr. Borja Ibáñez, CNIC’s scientific director and one of the study authors, said it would be beneficial to get tested early in life (between the ages of 20 and 25) and actively reduce risk. told Line.
“These results make it important for health care professionals to assess cardiovascular risk early on, such as during health exams in early adulthood,” said Dr. Rigved Tadwarkar, a cardiologist at Providence St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. It would be worthwhile to start evaluating the he told Heathline. “This approach is consistent with the idea of early intervention and active control of cardiovascular risk factors as a means to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.”
Tadwarkar said older people remain most at risk given the physiological changes associated with aging.
“This includes arterial stiffness, the progression of atherosclerosis, and increased vulnerability to oxidative stress and inflammation. Cumulative exposure to risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol increases cardiovascular risk as we age. It further increases the risk,” Tadwarkar said.
But the study suggests that even seemingly healthy young adults need to be monitored for risks associated with cardiovascular disease, Tadwarkar said, adding that genetic traits may play a role. He added that there is.
“We know that people with a family history of cardiovascular disease may be at increased risk, and early testing is important, especially given that the progression of atherosclerosis is often silent. “We need to monitor this carefully,” he said.
But Ibáñez warned that young adults who see high LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol or blood pressure levels during their annual health check should be careful. LDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol.
“We know that people with high LDL cholesterol levels, above-ideal blood pressure, and smokers are at higher risk for early onset and progression of atherosclerosis,” Ibáñez said.
“Yet, future studies we conduct should clearly delineate this in even younger populations.”
There are many other lifestyle-related signs that suggest an increased risk of atherosclerosis.
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- tobacco use
- high blood pressure
- high blood pressure
- Family history of atherosclerosis
- Diabetes
- preeclampsia
- Menopause in women under 40
Some sleep disorders may also be involved. Obstructive sleep apnea can affect nearly a quarter of American adults between the ages of 30 and 70 and can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
“Sleep apnea, and poor sleep quality more generally, is emerging as a factor to watch. Disturbed sleep patterns can lead to increased stress on the cardiovascular system.” said Tadwarkar.
“This highlights the importance of considering holistic factors when assessing and managing cardiovascular health.”
High cholesterol and high blood pressure conditions can initially be controlled with a combination of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and prescribed medications as directed by your doctor. Ibáñez said regulating sugar intake and quitting smoking are also very important.
Tadwarkar added that while such a multi-pronged approach is “essential”, it is increasingly important to understand risk factors early.
“Health exams and screenings are essential for early detection of risk factors,” Tadwarkar said.
“This can also help identify individuals who need to move beyond lifestyle modification alone to pharmacological interventions such as cholesterol-lowering and antihypertensive drugs.”
Tadwalkar suggested that personalized approaches, such as imaging techniques, could be used if necessary to monitor the presence and progression of silent atherosclerosis.
“This allows for tailored interventions based on individual risk profiles,” he said. “Regular follow-up with a physician is essential to assess the effectiveness of the intervention and make appropriate adjustments if necessary.”
Atherosclerosis can lead to stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.
Young adults around the age of 20 should have regular health checkups to monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels to assess their future risk of atherosclerosis.
People with a family history of atherosclerosis, regular smoking habits, poor diet, lack of exercise, or sleep disorders such as apnea should assess their risk sooner than previously thought. .
