RESUMO
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) represents one of the most frequent manifestations of atherosclerosis in men and women. In both sexes, PAD is related to classical risk factors of atherosclerosis, which are similarly distributed, but some additional factors determine differences between men and women. More frequent asymptomatic disease in women than in men and less frequent screening in women may result in a false underestimation of the prevalence of PAD in women. All these factors may cause delayed diagnosis and treatment of PAD in women. Estrogen hormones have vasoprotective properties that lower the prevalence of atherosclerosis in women of younger age. However, estrogen probably does not have a protective role against the development of cardiovascular disease in women of an older age. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) of less than one year does not appear to reduce the odds of developing PAD in postmenopausal women. It may even increase the risk of morbidity from vascular interventions. However, some studies indicated that HRT for more than one year significantly decreases the risk of PAD if administered early after the last menstruation. Also, treatment of PAD in women differs to some extent from men.
Assuntos
Menopausa , Doença Arterial Periférica , Humanos , Feminino , Doença Arterial Periférica/fisiopatologia , Doença Arterial Periférica/epidemiologia , Doença Arterial Periférica/diagnóstico , Fatores de Risco , Doenças Cardiovasculares/fisiopatologia , Doenças Cardiovasculares/epidemiologia , Doenças Cardiovasculares/diagnóstico , Prognóstico , Medição de RiscoRESUMO
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is presented in various forms, including classic PHPT, characterised by increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, normohormonal PHPT, and normocalcaemic PHPT. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is characterised by increased PTH secretion triggered by factors such as vitamin D deficiency and kidney failure. This review aims to discuss the involvement of hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in atherosclerosis, including peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The increased level of PTH is involved in developing subclinical and overt vascular diseases, encompassing endothelial dysfunction, vascular stiffness, hypertension, and coronary and peripheral arterial diseases. It has been consistently associated with an augmented risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, independent of classical risk factors for atherosclerosis. Chronic hypercalcemia associated with increased levels of PTH contributes to the development of calcification of vessel walls and atherosclerotic plaques. Vascular calcification can occur in the intima or media of the arterial wall and is associated with stiffness of peripheral arteries, which the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and narrowing of the vessel lumen can follow. For treating hyperparathyroidism, particularly SHPT, calcimimetics, novel phosphorus binders and novel vitamin D receptor activators are used. However, they are ineffective in severe PHPT. Therefore, parathyroidectomy remains the primary therapeutic option of PHPT.
Assuntos
Hiperparatireoidismo Primário , Hormônio Paratireóideo , Doença Arterial Periférica , Humanos , Doença Arterial Periférica/fisiopatologia , Hiperparatireoidismo Primário/fisiopatologia , Hiperparatireoidismo Primário/complicações , Hiperparatireoidismo Primário/diagnóstico , Hormônio Paratireóideo/sangue , Animais , Fatores de Risco , Paratireoidectomia , Calcificação Vascular/fisiopatologia , Calcificação Vascular/etiologia , Hiperparatireoidismo Secundário/etiologia , Hiperparatireoidismo Secundário/fisiopatologia , Resultado do Tratamento , Biomarcadores/sangue , Prognóstico , Cálcio/metabolismo , Cálcio/sangueRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Despite the publication of various national/international guidelines, several questions concerning the management of patients with asymptomatic (AsxCS) and symptomatic (SxCS) carotid stenosis remain unanswered. The aim of this international, multi-specialty, expert-based Delphi Consensus document was to address these issues to help clinicians make decisions when guidelines are unclear. METHODS: Fourteen controversial topics were identified. A three-round Delphi Consensus process was performed including 61 experts. The aim of Round 1 was to investigate the differing views and opinions regarding these unresolved topics. In Round 2, clarifications were asked from each participant. In Round 3, the questionnaire was resent to all participants for their final vote. Consensus was reached when ≥75% of experts agreed on a specific response. RESULTS: Most experts agreed that: (1) the current periprocedural/in-hospital stroke/death thresholds for performing a carotid intervention should be lowered from 6% to 4% in patients with SxCS and from 3% to 2% in patients with AsxCS; (2) the time threshold for a patient being considered "recently symptomatic" should be reduced from the current definition of "6 months" to 3 months or less; (3) 80% to 99% AsxCS carries a higher risk of stroke compared with 60% to 79% AsxCS; (4) factors beyond the grade of stenosis and symptoms should be added to the indications for revascularization in AsxCS patients (eg, plaque features of vulnerability and silent infarctions on brain computed tomography scans); and (5) shunting should be used selectively, rather than always or never. Consensus could not be reached on the remaining topics due to conflicting, inadequate, or controversial evidence. CONCLUSIONS: The present international, multi-specialty expert-based Delphi Consensus document attempted to provide responses to several unanswered/unresolved issues. However, consensus could not be achieved on some topics, highlighting areas requiring future research.
Assuntos
Estenose das Carótidas , Acidente Vascular Cerebral , Humanos , Estenose das Carótidas/diagnóstico , Estenose das Carótidas/diagnóstico por imagem , Consenso , Técnica Delphi , Acidente Vascular Cerebral/diagnóstico , Acidente Vascular Cerebral/etiologia , Constrição PatológicaRESUMO
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), defined as lower extremity arterial disease, constitutes an underestimated aspect of the menopause-associated risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Accumulation of ASCVD risk factors, such as atherogenic dyslipidaemia, diabetes, and arterial hypertension, after the transition to menopause may contribute to atherosclerotic plaque formation in peripheral arteries. However, inconsistency exists among studies as to whether transition to menopause increases the risk of PAD, although early menopause (<45 years) or premature ovarian insufficiency may accelerate peripheral atherosclerotic plaque formation. Menopausal hormone therapy may decrease the risk of PAD if administered early (i.e., within the first 5-6 years after last menstruation), whereas it has no effect in women with established ASCVD.
Assuntos
Aterosclerose , Menopausa Precoce , Doença Arterial Periférica , Placa Aterosclerótica , Insuficiência Ovariana Primária , Feminino , Humanos , Placa Aterosclerótica/complicações , Menopausa , Doença Arterial Periférica/diagnóstico , Doença Arterial Periférica/epidemiologia , Doença Arterial Periférica/prevenção & controle , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. It presents with gynaecologic, metabolic, and psychologic manifestations. The dominant drivers of pathophysiology are hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. Both conditions are related to cardiometabolic risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, type 2 and gestational diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obstructive sleep apnoea. Women with PCOS of reproductive age consistently demonstrated an elevated risk of subclinical atherosclerosis, as indicated by different measurement methods, while findings for menopausal age groups exhibited mixed results. Translation of subclinical atherosclerosis into the increased incidence of peripheral arterial disease and major cardiovascular (CV) events is less clear. Although several expert groups have advised screening, the CV risk assessment and prevention of CV events are frequently underdiagnosed and overlooked aspects of the management of PCOS. A combination of lifestyle management and pharmacotherapy, including the promising new era of anti-obesity medicine, can lead to improvements in cardiometabolic health.
Assuntos
Aterosclerose , Doenças Cardiovasculares , Hiperandrogenismo , Resistência à Insulina , Doença Arterial Periférica , Síndrome do Ovário Policístico , Feminino , Humanos , Síndrome do Ovário Policístico/complicações , Síndrome do Ovário Policístico/diagnóstico , Síndrome do Ovário Policístico/epidemiologia , Doenças Cardiovasculares/diagnóstico , Doenças Cardiovasculares/epidemiologia , Doenças Cardiovasculares/etiologia , Doença Arterial Periférica/diagnóstico , Doença Arterial Periférica/epidemiologia , Doença Arterial Periférica/terapia , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
Varicose veins (VVs) mostly represent benign disease. However, in some cases, they can lead to serious complications including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Besides deteriorated blood flow caused by VVs inflammation is most probably a common denominator of VVs and DVT, which promotes a procoagulant state and thrombus formation also in deep veins. Patients with VVs have increased levels of interleukins, the most specific inflammatory markers of vascular wall inflammation that promote coagulation. The studies showed that VVs may increase the risk for DVT. However, the evidence of the risk and incidence of DVT in patients with VVs and without additional risk factors is poor. The increased risk is associated with previous venous thromboembolism (VTE), malignancy, estrogen use, pregnancy and postpartum, hospitalization in the last 6 months, age, and obesity. Varicose veins represent also an increased risk for VTE during long-term immobilization and long air travel or road trip. Further, superficial venous thrombosis is related to an increased risk for DVT, particularly if the thrombus in the superficial vein extends close to the saphenofemoral or femoropopliteal junction. Increased risk for DVT is increased during and after invasive treatment of VVs. Thromboprophylaxis after invasive procedures is recommended in subjects older than 60 years and those with another thrombophilic state.
Assuntos
Embolia Pulmonar , Trombose , Varizes , Tromboembolia Venosa , Trombose Venosa , Gravidez , Feminino , Humanos , Tromboembolia Venosa/epidemiologia , Tromboembolia Venosa/etiologia , Tromboembolia Venosa/prevenção & controle , Anticoagulantes/uso terapêutico , Trombose Venosa/epidemiologia , Trombose Venosa/etiologia , Varizes/tratamento farmacológico , Embolia Pulmonar/etiologia , Embolia Pulmonar/complicações , Trombose/complicações , Fatores de Risco , Inflamação/tratamento farmacológicoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Delayed sternal closure may be required after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation due to coagulopathy or hemodynamic instability. There is conflicting data regarding infection risk. METHODS: We performed a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients who received their first LVAD between May 2012 and January 2021. Patients were divided into delayed sternal closure (DSC) and primary sternal closure (PSC) groups. We used chi-squared or Fisher Exact tests, as appropriate, to compare the incidence of postoperative LVAD-related infections (mediastinal/sternal wound) and LVAD-specific infections (driveline and pump pocket) after definitive chest closure between these two groups. RESULTS: A total of 327 patients met eligibility criteria, including 127 (39%) patients that underwent DSC and 200 (61%) patients that had a PSC. Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar except for an overrepresentation of men (87% vs. 75%, p = .016), Interagency Registry of Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support class I-II patients (89% vs 66%, p < .001), patients with a previous sternotomy (43% vs 13%, p < .001), and patients with chronic kidney disease (55% vs 43%, p = .030) in the DSC group. The median DSC time was 24 (IQR: 24-48) hours. The incidence of LVAD-related mediastinal/sternal wound infection was similar between the DSC and PSC groups (4.7% vs 3.0%, p = .419). There was no difference between DSC and PSC groups in the incidence of driveline infection (6.3% vs 9%, p = .411) and pump pocket infection (1.6% vs 1.5%, p =.901), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: DSC does not seem to increase the incidence of LVAD-related or LVAD-specific infection rates in heart failure patients undergoing device implantation surgery.
Assuntos
Insuficiência Cardíaca , Coração Auxiliar , Masculino , Humanos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Coração Auxiliar/efeitos adversos , Insuficiência Cardíaca/cirurgia , Insuficiência Cardíaca/epidemiologia , Esternotomia/efeitos adversos , Complicações Pós-Operatórias , Resultado do TratamentoAssuntos
Fibrilação Atrial , Estenose das Carótidas , Ataque Isquêmico Transitório , Acidente Vascular Cerebral , Humanos , Fibrilação Atrial/diagnóstico , Fibrilação Atrial/epidemiologia , Estenose das Carótidas/diagnóstico , Estenose das Carótidas/diagnóstico por imagem , Acidente Vascular Cerebral/diagnóstico por imagem , Acidente Vascular Cerebral/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Current guidelines do not recommend screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (AsxCS). The rationale behind this recommendation is that detection of AsxCS may lead to an unnecessary carotid intervention. In contrast, screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms is strongly recommended. METHODS: A critical analysis of the literature was performed to evaluate the implications of detecting AsxCS. RESULTS: Patients with AsxCS are at high risk for future stroke, myocardial infarction and vascular death. Population-wide screening for AsxCS should not be recommended. Additionally, screening of high-risk individuals for AsxCS with the purpose of identifying candidates for a carotid intervention is inappropriate. Instead, selective screening for AsxCS should be considered and should be viewed as an opportunity to identify individuals at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and future cardiovascular events for the timely initiation of intensive medical therapy and risk factor modification. CONCLUSIONS: Although mass screening should not be recommended, there are several arguments suggesting that selective screening for AsxCS should be considered. The rationale supporting such selective screening is to optimize risk factor control and to initiate intensive medical therapy for prevention of future cardiovascular events, rather than to identify candidates for an intervention.
Assuntos
Aneurisma da Aorta Abdominal , Estenose das Carótidas , Endarterectomia das Carótidas , Acidente Vascular Cerebral , Humanos , Estenose das Carótidas/diagnóstico por imagem , Estenose das Carótidas/epidemiologia , Acidente Vascular Cerebral/prevenção & controle , Fatores de Risco , Aneurisma da Aorta Abdominal/diagnóstico , Aneurisma da Aorta Abdominal/epidemiologia , Aneurisma da Aorta Abdominal/complicações , Programas de Rastreamento , Doenças Assintomáticas , Ensaios Clínicos Controlados Aleatórios como AssuntoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Tricuspid valve repair in left ventricular assist device implantation continues to pose a challenge and may impact the occurrence of early and late right heart failure. We investigated the effects of concomitant tricuspid repair on clinical outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective, multicentre study enrolled adult patients who received continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices between 2005 and 2017 and compared those who received concomitant tricuspid valve repair to those who did not. Primary outcomes were early right heart failure necessitating temporary ventricular assist devices and right heart failure-related rehospitalizations requiring inotropic or diuretic treatment. RESULTS: Out of 526 patients who underwent left ventricular assist device implantation, 110 (21%) received a concomitant tricuspid valve repair. Those patients were sicker, and most had moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation. A significantly higher incidence of temporary right ventricular assist devices was observed in the group with concomitant tricupid valve repair (18% vs. 11%, P = 0.049), with a significantly elevated risk for temporary right heart assist device (sHR 1.68, 95% CI 1.04-2.72; P = 0.037). After adjusting for confounders, no significant differences were found in the incidence of and risk for most clinical outcomes, including right heart failure-related rehospitalizations (P = 0.891) and death (P = 0.563). CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant tricuspid valve repair, when deemed necessary in left ventricular assist device implantation, may increase the risk of early right heart failure requiring a temporary right ventricular assist device but does not impact the incidence or risk of death or rehospitalizations due to late right heart failure.
Assuntos
Insuficiência Cardíaca , Implante de Prótese de Valva Cardíaca , Coração Auxiliar , Insuficiência da Valva Tricúspide , Adulto , Humanos , Valva Tricúspide/cirurgia , Coração Auxiliar/efeitos adversos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Resultado do Tratamento , Insuficiência da Valva Tricúspide/complicações , Insuficiência Cardíaca/terapia , Implante de Prótese de Valva Cardíaca/efeitos adversosRESUMO
Purpose: This study aimed to identify and correlate pathological findings with clinical outcomes in patients after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) who either died or underwent a re-transplantation. Methodology and study design: Single-center retrospective analysis of primary OHT patients who died or were re-transplanted between October 2012 and July 2021. Clinical data were matched with corresponding pathological findings from endomyocardial biopsies on antibody-mediated rejection, cellular rejection, and cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Re-assessment of available tissue samples was performed to investigate acute myocardial injury (AMI) as a distinct phenomenon. These were correlated with clinical outcomes, which included severe primary graft dysfunction. Patients were grouped according to the presence of AMI and compared. Results: We identified 47 patients with truncated outcomes after the first OHT. The median age was 59 years, 36 patients (76%) were male, 25 patients (53%) had a prior history of cardiac operation, and 21 patients (45%) were supported with a durable assist device before OHT. Of those, AMI was identified in 22 (47%) patients (AMI group), and 25 patients had no AMI (non-AMI group). Groups were comparable in baseline and perioperative data. Histopathological observations in AMI group included a non-significant higher incidence of antibody-mediated rejection Grade 1 or higher (pAMR ≥ 1) (32% vs. 12%, P = 0.154), and non-significant lower incidence of severe acute cellular rejection (ACR ≥ 2R) (32% vs. 40%, P = 0.762). Clinical observations in the AMI group found a significantly higher occurrence of severe primary graft dysfunction (68% vs. 20%, P = 0.001) and a highly significant shorter duration from transplantation to death or re-transplantation (42 days [IQR 26, 120] vs. 1,133 days [711-1,664], P < 0.0001). Those patients had a significantly higher occurrence of cardiac-related deaths (64% vs. 24%, P = 0.020). No difference was observed in other outcomes. Conclusion: In heart transplant recipients with a truncated postoperative course leading to either death or re-transplantation, AMI in endomyocardial biopsies was a common pathological phenomenon, which correlated with the clinical occurrence of severe primary graft dysfunction. Those patients had significantly shorter survival times and higher cardiac-related deaths. The presence of AMI suggests a truncated course after OHT.
RESUMO
The transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure is used in patients with aortic stenosis. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement devices are quite versatile; thus, they are increasingly being used for nonaortic applications, such as tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation. This case series describes a transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure in 4 patients with anatomic challenges (eg, aortic tortuosity, high valvular calcium burden, highly calcified bicuspid valve, low coronary artery takeoff, left main coronary artery occlusion, and large aortic annulus) and a fifth patient who had a failed tricuspid bioprosthesis and underwent a tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation with the Edwards SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve (Edwards Lifesciences). All procedures required adjustments to the standard protocol, and each procedure was successful. The critical, technical adjustments in the deployment technique and preprocedural planning of the procedures are detailed to provide a road map for other cardiologists who encounter similar challenges.
Assuntos
Estenose da Valva Aórtica , Bioprótese , Implante de Prótese de Valva Cardíaca , Próteses Valvulares Cardíacas , Substituição da Valva Aórtica Transcateter , Valva Aórtica/diagnóstico por imagem , Valva Aórtica/cirurgia , Estenose da Valva Aórtica/diagnóstico por imagem , Estenose da Valva Aórtica/cirurgia , Cálcio , Humanos , Desenho de Prótese , Substituição da Valva Aórtica Transcateter/métodos , Resultado do Tratamento , Valva Tricúspide/diagnóstico por imagem , Valva Tricúspide/cirurgiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The optimal antithrombotic (antiplatelet or anticoagulant) treatment of patients undergoing extracranial carotid artery interventions is a subject of debate. The aim of this multidisciplinary document was to critically review the recommendations of current guidelines, taking into consideration the results of recently published studies. METHODS: The various antithrombotic strategies reported were evaluated for asymptomatic and symptomatic patients undergoing extracranial carotid artery interventions (endarterectomy, transfemoral carotid artery stenting [CAS] or transcarotid artery revascularization [TCAR]). Based on a critical review, a series of recommendations were formulated by an international expert panel. RESULTS: For asymptomatic patients, we recommend low-dose aspirin (75-100 mg/day) or clopidogrel (75 mg/day) with the primary goal to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular event rates rather than to reduce the risk of stroke. For symptomatic patients, we recommend dual antiplatelet treatment (DAPT) initiated within 24 h of the index event to reduce the risk of recurrent events. We suggest that following transfemoral CAS or TCAR, patients continue DAPT for 1 month after which a single antiplatelet agent is used. High level of evidence to support anticoagulant treatment for patients with carotid artery disease is lacking. CONCLUSIONS: The antithrombotic treatment offered to carotid patients should be individualized, taking into account the presence of symptoms, the type of intervention and the goal of the treatment. The duration and type of DAPT (ticagrelor instead of clopidogrel) should be evaluated in future trials.
Assuntos
Estenose das Carótidas , Endarterectomia das Carótidas , Procedimentos Endovasculares , Acidente Vascular Cerebral , Humanos , Estenose das Carótidas/complicações , Estenose das Carótidas/terapia , Stents , Fibrinolíticos/efeitos adversos , Inibidores da Agregação Plaquetária/efeitos adversos , Clopidogrel/efeitos adversos , Resultado do Tratamento , Fatores de Risco , Artérias Carótidas , Acidente Vascular Cerebral/etiologia , Anticoagulantes/efeitos adversos , Endarterectomia das Carótidas/efeitos adversos , Procedimentos Endovasculares/efeitos adversos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Medição de RiscoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: An inter-institutional collaboration between a quaternary hospital (QH) with a high volume of cardiac surgery and a community-based, tertiary hospital (TH) with a newly established cardiac surgery program was established. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of patients admitted to the TH between September 2015 and June 2017 for cardiac surgery. The decision to transfer a patient to the QH was based on a Society of Thoracic Surgeon-Predicted Risk of Mortality (STS-PROM) score of ≥ 3%, the potential need for hemodialysis, and other risk factors. The same team of surgeons performed operations at both hospitals. We analyzed the perioperative outcomes of the patients and the referral pattern. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients met eligibility criteria; 105 underwent surgery at the TH, while 11 were transferred to the QH. Among the 11 patients transferred to the QH, eight had a score of 3% (median = 8.2 [IQR 5.7-25.0]). The patients transferred to the QH prior to surgery had a significantly higher STS-PROM score (P = ≤ .001). Overall, the mortality of patients who underwent surgery at the TH was 0.9% (1/105); while surgeries at the QH had a mortality rate of 0% (0/11). CONCLUSION: The collaborative effort between high-volume cardiac surgery programs and emerging community-based hospitals showed acceptable outcomes in perioperative cardiac surgical mortality. Elevated STS-PROM scores (>3%), previous sternotomy and anticipation of coagulopathy, and low left ventricular ejection fraction or dilated ventricles are factors that influenced the need to transfer from a TH to QH.
Assuntos
Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Cardíacos , Função Ventricular Esquerda , Humanos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Medição de Risco , Fatores de Risco , Volume Sistólico , Centros de Atenção Terciária , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
International guidelines strongly recommend statins alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering agents to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels for patients with asymptomatic/symptomatic carotid stenosis (AsxCS/SCS). Lowering LDL-C levels is associated with significant reductions in transient ischemic attack, stroke, cardiovascular (CV) event and death rates. The aim of this multi-disciplinary overview is to summarize the benefits and risks associated with lowering LDL-C with statins or non-statin medications for Asx/SCS patients. The cerebrovascular and CV beneficial effects associated with statins, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors and other non-statin lipid-lowering agents (e.g. fibrates, ezetimibe) are reviewed. The use of statins and PCSK9 inhibitors is associated with several beneficial effects for Asx/SCS patients, including carotid plaque stabilization and reduction of stroke rates. Ezetimibe and fibrates are associated with smaller reductions in stroke rates. The side-effects resulting from statin and PCSK9 inhibitor use are also highlighted. The benefits associated with lowering LDL-C with statins or non-statin lipid lowering agents (e.g. PCSK9 inhibitors) outweigh the risks and potential side-effects. Irrespective of their LDL-C levels, all Asx/SCS patients should receive high-dose statin treatment±ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors for reduction not only of LDL-C levels, but also of stroke, cardiovascular mortality and coronary event rates.
Assuntos
Anticolesterolemiantes , Doenças Cardiovasculares , Doenças das Artérias Carótidas , Inibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Redutases , Acidente Vascular Cerebral , Anticolesterolemiantes/efeitos adversos , Doenças Cardiovasculares/diagnóstico , Doenças Cardiovasculares/tratamento farmacológico , Doenças Cardiovasculares/prevenção & controle , Doenças das Artérias Carótidas/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças das Artérias Carótidas/tratamento farmacológico , LDL-Colesterol , Ezetimiba/efeitos adversos , Ácidos Fíbricos , Humanos , Inibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Redutases/efeitos adversos , Hipolipemiantes/efeitos adversos , Pró-Proteína Convertase 9RESUMO
Atherosclerosis has a long preclinical phase, and the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events may be high in asymptomatic subjects. Conventional risk factors provide information for the statistical probability of developing CV events, but they lack precision in asymptomatic subjects. This review aims to summarize the role of some widely publicized indicators of early atherosclerosis in predicting CV events. The earliest measurable indicator of the atherosclerotic process is endothelial dysfunction, measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. However, reduced FMD is a stronger predictor of future CV events in patients with existing CV disease than in apparently healthy persons. Alternatively, measurement of carotid artery intima-media thickness does not improve the predictive value of risk factor scores, while detection of asymptomatic atherosclerotic plaques in carotid or common femoral arteries by ultrasound indicates high CV risk. Coronary calcium is a robust and validated help in the estimation of vascular changes and risk, which may improve risk stratification beyond traditional risk factors with relatively low radiation exposure. Arterial stiffness of the aorta, measured as the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity is an independent marker of CV risk at the population level, but it is not recommended as a routine procedure because of measurement difficulties. Low ankle-brachial index (ABI) indicates flow-limiting atherosclerosis in the lower limbs and indicates high CV risk, while normal ABI does not rule out advanced asymptomatic atherosclerosis. Novel circulating biomarkers are associated with the atherosclerotic process. However, because of limited specificity, their ability to improve risk classification at present remains low.