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Evaluation of the stability of atherosclerotic plaques in the estimation of cardiovascular risk

Abstract:

For several decades, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has occupied the first place as cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and thus represents a priority problem in modern medical practice. Upon this panorama, estimation of cardiovascular risk (CVR) has become a staple in the clinical management of adults. In recent years, attention has been attributed to the recognition of biomarkers which may offer additional and precise information, in order to characterize or pbkp_redict in a more individualized manner the course of the disease in each patient, and guide the selection of therapeutic interventions to obtain the maximum possible benefits. To date, an extensive catalogue of biomarker candidates has been proposed in the context of CVD, related to various phenomena present in its pathogeny, such as atherosclerosis, chronic inflammation, dysregulation of vasoactive messengers, ventricular dysfunction, and myocardial injury. The first one has attracted particular interest due to its central role in the natural history of CVD, where the formation, progression, destabilization, and rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque are fundamental events. This review comments on recent advances regarding the research and implementation of biomarkers related to the atherosclerotic plaque for the evaluation of CVR.