Young adults are at a higher risk for developing atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to serious cardiovascular disease. According to new research from the National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), arteries in young people are more vulnerable to damage due to factors such as high cholesterol and blood pressure. The study was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and emphasizes the need for aggressive control of risk factors at an earlier age.
The researchers found that early intervention and control of risk factors can help prevent or reverse atherosclerosis. Lifestyle modifications, such as diet changes, reducing alcohol consumption, and lowering salt intake, can be effective in controlling cholesterol levels and blood pressure. If necessary, pharmacological treatments may also be used.
The study authors urge healthcare providers to screen young adults for subclinical atherosclerosis and aggressively manage any identified risk factors. They recommend screening for cholesterol or atheroma plaques in the carotid or femoral arteries to identify those at risk and begin aggressive risk factor management.
It is estimated that 30% of people between 40 and 45 years old have some form of atherosclerosis in their arteries. This highlights the importance of early intervention and control of risk factors in young adults as a preventive measure against cardiovascular disease.
