Preventative Measures Key to Reducing Cardiovascular Events, Major Study Finds
A large-scale study involving data from over 9.3 million South Koreans and nearly 6,800 Americans reveals that cardiovascular events like heart attacks,heart failure,and stroke are rarely sudden occurrences. Researchers from Yonsei University (South Korea) and Northwestern University (US) found that 99% of individuals who experienced thes events had at least one identifiable and potentially modifiable risk factor present before the event.The research, spanning almost two decades, underscores the critical importance of preventative healthcare.
The study focused on four key risk factors: high blood pressure,high cholesterol,elevated blood glucose,and a history of smoking. A important majority – 93% of participants – exhibited two or more of these risk factors in combination. Hypertension proved to be the most prevalent, affecting over 95% of Korean patients and 93% of American patients who suffered a cardiovascular event.
Importantly, these risk factors weren’t limited to traditionally vulnerable populations. Over 95% of women under the age of 60 who experienced heart failure or stroke had at least one risk factor present beforehand.
Analyzing data based on clinically defined thresholds for risk – blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mmHg, total cholesterol above 240 mg/dL, and fasting blood glucose above 126 mg/dL – researchers discovered that 90% of patients already exhibited these critical levels prior to thier cardiovascular event.
Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), the study emphasizes that effective preventative interventions are readily available. Researchers advocate for increased focus on controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose, alongside robust anti-smoking initiatives.
“The study shows very clearly that almost all cardiovascular events occur after exposure to known and treatable risk factors,” stated Philip Greenland,a professor of cardiology at Northwestern University and a lead researcher.”The challenge now is to improve the prevention and control of these conditions.”
The findings reinforce the need for a shift in public health strategies,moving away from solely treating cardiovascular disease and towards proactive prevention,given its status as the leading cause of death globally.
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