Authors

• Majda Vrkić — University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
• Kirhmajer — University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia — ORCID: 0000-0002-1340-1917
• Ljiljana Banfić — University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia — ORCID: 0000-0002-4538-8980

Keywords

vascular biomarkers, cardiovascular prevention

DOI

Full Text

The need for better stratification of cardiovascular (CV) risk in primary and secondary prevention has prompted numerous studies of vascular biomarkers. A critical review of peripheral, non-coronary, vascular biomarkers in CV prevention and their potential integration into clinical practice was published by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Working Group on peripheral circulation in 2015. Among seven evaluated vascular biomarkers, the best evidence of the potential benefits showed carotid ultrasound (intima-media thickness and carotid plaques), ankle - brachial index (ABI) and carotid - femoral pulse wave velocity. It is important to emphasize that so far, there is no evidence that one vascular biomarker is superior to the other. (1, 2) In this lecture we will show the most important data on the three vascular biomarkers, their limitations and weaknesses, and recommendations on the use of vascular biomarkers according to the ESC guidelines on CV prevention. In conclusion, routine measurement of vascular biomarkers in the assessment of CV risk is not recommended. Rational use of vascular biomarkers primarily in people with moderate CV risk may improve prevention of CV diseases.

Literature

1. Vlachopoulos C, Xaplanteris P, Aboyans V, Brodmann M, Cifkova R, Cosentino F, et al. The role of vascular biomarkers for primary and secondary prevention. A position paper from the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on peripheral circulation: Endorsed by the Association for Research into Arterial Structure and Physiology (ARTERY) Society. Atherosclerosis. 2015;241(2):507–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.05.007
2. Piepoli MF, Hoes AW, Agewall S, Albus C, Brotons C, Catapano AL, et al. Authors/Task Force Members. 2016 European Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice: The Sixth Joint Task Force of the European Society of Cardiology and Other Societies on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Clinical Practice (constituted by representatives of 10 societies and by invited experts)Developed with the special contribution of the European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation (EACPR). Eur Heart J. 2016;37(29):2315–81. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehw106