Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, requiring increased vigilance in their prevention. A recent study, conducted by researchers from the
Inserm,
University of Lorraine, and
CHRU of Nancy, has focused on an as yet unexploited aspect of this prevention: arterial stiffness. Indeed, as we age, our arteries lose their flexibility, thereby increasing cardiovascular risk.
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By examining data from over 1,250 European individuals, the researchers confirmed a direct correlation between arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk. Their study, published in the
eBioMedicine journal, highlights the benefits of using a specific tool, the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI), to predict this risk. This non-invasive approach measures arterial stiffness by assessing blood flow speed between the arms, ankles, and heart.
Each one-point increase in the CAVI score (equivalent to about a 10% increase in arterial stiffness) is associated with a 25% increased risk of cardiovascular events. The researchers also identified factors influencing the progression of this stiffness, including age and blood pressure. Treatments for cholesterol or diabetes could, however, help to slow this progression, although further analysis will be necessary to confirm this possibility.
These findings underscore the potential of the CAVI score as a tool for predicting cardiovascular risk, thus providing a simple and rapid method for assessing an individual's cardiovascular health. In addition to enabling early detection of at-risk individuals, this tool could also guide clinical decisions regarding monitoring and preventive treatment.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND