Coronary Artery Calcium for Risk Assessment in Young Adults
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review the prognostic significance and clinical utility of coronary artery calcium (CAC) for risk assessment for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in younger adults.Recent FindingsData from over 3000 young adults (mean age of 40.3 ± 3.6 followed for 12.5 years) in the CARDIA registry found that in an asymptomatic, community representative sample, there was a low prevalence of CAC (~ 10%) but those with CAC had an exponential increase in CAC over time and significantly higher rates of ASCVD events. Alternatively, data from the CAC consortium analyzed 22,346 asymptomatic indi...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - March 10, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The Role of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in 2022
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewHigh-density lipoproteins (HDL) are responsible for the transport in plasma of a large fraction of circulating lipids, in part from tissue mobilization. The evaluation of HDL-associated cholesterol (HDL-C) has provided a standard method for assessing cardiovascular (CV) risk, as supported by many contributions on the mechanism of this arterial benefit. The present review article will attempt to investigate novel findings on the role and mechanism of HDL in CV risk determination.Recent FindingsThe most recent research has been aimed to the understanding of how a raised functional capacity of HDL...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - March 10, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Moving the Paradigm Forward for Prediction and Risk-Based Primary Prevention of Heart Failure in Special Populations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHeart failure (HF) treatment paradigms increasingly recognize the importance of primary prevention. This review explores factors that enhance HF risk, summarizes evidence supporting the pharmacologic primary prevention of HF, and notes barriers to the implementation of primary prevention of HF with a focus on female and sexual and gender minority patients.Recent FindingsHF has pathophysiologic sex-specific distinctions, suggesting that sex-specific preventive strategies may be beneficial. Pharmacologic agents that have shown benefit in reducing the risk of HF address the pathobiology underpinning t...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - March 2, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Overweight, Obesity, and CVD Risk: a Focus on Visceral/Ectopic Fat
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDespite its prevalence and well-documented impact on population health, obesity has not emerged as a strong independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease after control for intermediate risk factors. The purpose of this brief narrative review is to highlight results from imaging studies that have not only documented the remarkable heterogeneity of body fat topography but also the importance of visceral adiposity as a key body fat depot associated with cardiovascular disease risk and type 2 diabetes.Recent FindingsSimple tools are also discussed in order to refine cardiometabolic risk assessment...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - March 2, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Treating Cardiovascular Disease with Liver Genome Engineering
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review examines recent progress in somatic genome editing for cardiovascular disease. We briefly highlight new gene editing approaches, delivery systems, and potential targets in the liver.Recent FindingsIn recent years, new editing and delivery systems have been applied successfully in model organisms to modify genes within hepatocytes. Disruption of several genes has been shown to dramatically lower plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in mice as well as non-human primates. More precise modification of cardiovascular targets has also been achieved through homology-directed repair or ba...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - March 1, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Sex Differences in Coronary Atherosclerosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe importance of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women has long been underestimated. Therefore, we need to understand the impact of sex differences on CVD.Recent FindingsTraditional risk factors contribute to coronary artery disease (CAD) differently in women and men. There are female-specific risk factors and comorbid conditions that affect the risk of CAD. Plaque erosion is frequently seen in younger women who smoke, while plaque rupture is common in older women and men who have elevated blood cholesterol. Coronary artery calcification is also different in both sexes. Thus, coronary artery calci...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - February 17, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Remnants, LDL, and the Quantification of Lipoprotein-Associated Risk in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewImplementation of intensive LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering strategies and recognition of the role of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) in atherosclerosis has prompted re-evaluation of the suitability of current lipid profile measurements for future clinical practice.Recent FindingsAt low concentrations of LDL-C (< 1.8 mmol/l/70 mg/dl), the Friedewald equation yields estimates with substantial negative bias. New equations provide a more accurate means of calculating LDL-C. Recent reports indicate that the increase in risk per unit increment in TRL/remnant cholesterol may be greater than...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - February 17, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Beta-blockers for Atherosclerosis Prevention: a Missed Opportunity?
Abstract Purpose of ReviewCurrent guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension endorse β-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (beta-blockers, BBs) as being particularly useful for hypertension in specific situations such as symptomatic angina, tachycardia, post-myocardial infarction, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and as an alternative to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in hypertensive women planning pregnancy or at least of child-bearing potential. One of the most common uses of BBs is in patients with a recent myocardial infarction,...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - February 16, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Transintestinal cholesterol excretion in health and disease
This article summarizes recent TICE research progresses, involving TICE inducers, molecular determinants of this pathway, and its role in lipoprotein metabolism.Recent FindingsTICE is an active pathway in mice, rats, and humans. Kinetic measurements showed that under basal conditions, the relative contribution of TICE in fecal elimination of plasma cholesterol is quantitatively less important than the hepatobiliary pathway. However, the amplitude of TICE can be induced by numerous nutritional factors and pharmacological drugs. More importantly, by contrast with the stimulation of biliary cholesterol excretion that is assoc...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - February 9, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Evidence Gaps in Assessments of the Healthiness of Online Supermarkets Highlight the Need for New Monitoring Tools: a Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewOnline grocery shopping is increasingly popular, but the extent to which these food environments encourage healthy or unhealthy purchases is unclear. This review identifies studies assessing the healthiness of real-world online supermarkets and frameworks to support future efforts.Recent FindingsA total of 18 studies were included and 17 assessed aspects of online supermarkets. Pricing and promotional strategies were commonly applied to unhealthy products, while nutrition labelling may not meet regulated requirements or support consumer decision-making. Few studies investigated the different and sp...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - February 9, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Heart Transplant, Kawasaki Disease, and Bone Marrow Transplant: Are There Consequences?
This article reviews the current landscape of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, focusing on dyslipidemia, which contribute to atherosclerosis in three unique populations: youth less than 18 years-of-age with a history of Kawasaki disease, and those who have undergone orthotopic heart and bone marrow transplants.Recent FindingsAtherosclerosis, the major cause of CVD, begins in childhood. Acquired and genetic disorders of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, present at an early age, are major contributors to early precursors of atherosclerosis, which accelerate after age 20. Treatment of the underlying medical condit...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - February 7, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Alcohol Consumption and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Placing New Data in Context
AbstractPurpose of ReviewA clear link between excessive alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been established, but no consensus exists on the effects of moderate alcohol consumption on CVD.Recent FindingsA lower risk of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction among moderate drinkers compared to abstainers has been consistently observed in epidemiological studies and meta-analyses of these studies. However, ambiguity remains on the effect of alcohol on other CVDs and all-cause mortality. Short-term randomized controlled trials (RCT) have identified potentially beneficial effects of alcohol consu...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - February 7, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Correction to: High-Density Lipoproteins and Serum Amyloid A (SAA)
(Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports)
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - February 7, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Childhood Hypertriglyceridemia: Is It Time for a New Approach?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is widely prevalent in youth. There is an unmet need for effective medications in the management of HTG in youth. The purpose of this review is to summarize the approach to HTG in acute and chronic settings, and highlight emerging therapies targeted at specific genes, proteins, and enzymes to selectively alter triglyceride (TG) metabolism.Recent FindingsGenetic and lifestyle factors play a significant role in the pathophysiology of HTG. Severe elevation of TG poses a risk of acute pancreatitis, while mild-to-moderate HTG increases the risk for premature atherosclerotic ca...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - February 2, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
What Is Hidden Behind Yellow Pixels: from Pathology to Intravascular Imaging of Atherosclerotic Plaque
We present the results of our study in which we evaluated the correlation of the intravascular ultrasound iMAP system (iMAP-IVUS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in the diagnosis of vulnerable coronary plaques.Recent FindingsLipids have an essential contribution to plaque evolution and vulnerability. Increase in plaque vulnerability alone even without increase in plaque burden defines progression of atherosclerosis. Lipidic tissue has a significant diagnostic value in patient risk stratification and can serve as a treatment target. Different vulnerable plaque parameters can be visualised with iMAP-IVUS and NIRS.Summa...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - February 2, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
