Key result
Preclinical atherosclerosis screening tools, from imaging to genotyping, offer varying detection value and limitations.
Why the study?
Atherosclerosis begins in childhood and early diagnosis is possible, but the clinical value and optimal timing for risk assessment remain unclear.
This review highlights the value and limitations of different modalities for preclinical diagnosis of atherosclerosis, including genotyping, imaging, and traditional risk factors, to prevent unexpected cardiovascular events.
Early atherosclerosis detection may prompt preventive action in childhood; leaves open optimal modality and outcome impact in prospective studies.
Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease of polygenic inheritance and the interrelation with environmental and social factors adds to complexity of the disease. Atherosclerosis starts during childhood but manifests later during life. Early diagnosis is possible but the value of knowing is that you can take action. Different modalities of preclinical diagnosis of atherosclerosis include genotyping, non-invasive imaging techniques and traditional risk factors. This article highlights the value and limitation of each modality and elaborates on how to progress without being confronted by a patient having an unexpected heart attack when this can be anticipated and prevented.
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Gullace et al. (2011) conducted a review in Atherosclerosis. Preclinical diagnosis modalities (genotyping, non-invasive imaging, traditional risk factors) was evaluated. Different modalities of preclinical diagnosis of atherosclerosis, including genotyping, non-invasive imaging, and traditional risk factors, offer varying values and limitations for early detection.
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