2023-12-28 14:00:30
Atherosclerosis is a common disease characterized by hardening of the arteries due to plaque buildup caused by calcium, fats and cholesterol. This condition was long believed to be primarily associated with older adults. However, a new study finds that young adults are also at significant risk of developing silent atherosclerosis, highlighting the importance of regularly monitoring their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Study finds increased risk of atherosclerosis in young adults
A recent study conducted at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) in Spain and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology analyzed more than 4,000 healthy mid-40s bank employees in Madrid. The researchers looked at key arteries, including the carotid, femoral, coronary and aortic arteries, and found that even slight Increases in blood pressure and cholesterol significantly increased the risk of atherosclerosis in young adults.
According to researchers, detecting risk factors at an early age and taking steps to mitigate them is essential to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in the future. They recommend that health professionals begin toassess cardiovascular risk during health check-ups of young adults, between 20 and 25 years old, in order to take early and effective measures to prevent atherosclerosis.
Risk factors for atherosclerosis in young adults
Risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking can affect the chances of developing atherosclerosis in young adults. It is therefore essential to monitor these indicators from an early age. It is important to consider family history of cardiovascular disease, as it may also play a role. The progression of atherosclerosis is often silent, making early detection in young adults even more crucial.
A recent study also found that certain lifestyle habits may increase the risk of atherosclerosis in young adults. Among these factors, we find tobacco use, high blood pressure, family history of atherosclerosis, diabetes, preeclampsia, early menopause in women under 40, and certain sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
The importance of regular health checkups
To prevent and manage atherosclerosis in young adults, regular checkups are essential. This will make it possible to quickly detect risk factors, implement early interventions and monitor the effectiveness of the measures taken. Checkups may include cholesterol and blood pressure tests, as well as lifestyle and family history assessments.
If risk factors are identified, preventive measures can be taken. It is recommended to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stopping smoking and reducing sugar consumption. In some cases, medications may also be prescribed to control cholesterol and blood pressure.
The role of sleep apnea in atherosclerosis
Another cause for concern for young adults is sleep apnea, a disorder that can affect nearly a quarter of adults ages 30 to 70. Sleep apnea has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis. Sleep disturbances can lead to increased stress on the cardiovascular system, highlighting the importance of considering holistic factors in assessing cardiovascular health.
Medical imaging to monitor and manage atherosclerosis
To monitor and manage atherosclerosis in young adults, personalized approaches can be used, including the use of medical imaging techniques. These techniques make it possible to detect the presence and development of silent atherosclerosis, which makes it possible to implement interventions adapted to the risk profile of each individual. Regular follow-up with a doctor is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and make necessary adjustments.
It is essential to take the risk of atherosclerosis seriously in young adults. Even seemingly healthy people may be exposed to risk factors that can lead to this serious cardiovascular disease. It is therefore important to regularly monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels and adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce the chances of developing atherosclerosis. Regular health check-ups, taking into account family history, stress management and monitoring sleep disorders are all preventative measures that can help minimize the risk of atherosclerosis in young adults.
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François Lehn has been a science/health journalist for 15 years. Specializing in new health approaches and complementary care, he notably had the opportunity to collaborate for two years with Professor David Servan-Schreiber. Passionate about integrative medicine and the complementarity of different preventive and therapeutic health approaches, he tirelessly seeks the best information, health practitioners, doctors or researchers in order to provide the most reliable and useful knowledge for everyone’s health.
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