Study: Early detection of atherosclerosis linked to lower mortality risk

Editor's Note

A September 2024 study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that subclinical atherosclerosis progression in asymptomatic individuals is strongly linked to increased risk of death from any cause, CathLab Digest September 30 reports. The study, led by Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital researchers, showed that advanced imaging techniques, such as vascular ultrasound and computed tomography, can detect atherosclerosis in major arteries before symptoms appear.

Over 12.4 years, researchers followed 5,716 participants with an average age of 69. They found that both the presence of carotid artery plaques and coronary artery calcification were associated with higher mortality. Additionally, progression of carotid atherosclerosis provided further prognostic value, independently predicting death. The findings highlight the importance of early detection in preventing cardiovascular disease and overall mortality.

Lead author Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, president of Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital and general director of the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), said that early intervention in the asymptomatic phase presents a significant opportunity to mitigate risks before serious conditions such as heart attack or stroke occur. Vascular ultrasound, a non-invasive and cost-effective method, was particularly noted for its potential to improve cardiovascular risk stratification and guide preventative measures.

The study is part of the BioImage project, a collaboration between Mount Sinai and CNIC, aimed at improving global cardiovascular health.