Medical studies reveal new insights into cardiovascular disease risks

Recent medical studies have provided new insights into the prevention and risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Research led by Dr. Henning Bundgaard at Rigshospitalet in Denmark revealed that silent atherosclerosis—the buildup of plaque in arteries—is more prevalent than previously estimated. Imaging of 16,000 adults showed that 57.1% had the condition, with one in 13 young adults (ages 18–29) affected. The prevalence increases significantly with age, reaching 9 in 10 people between 60 and 70 years old.

In terms of metabolic prevention, scientists at King's College London found that normalizing blood glucose levels in individuals with pre-diabetes can reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by up to 58%. This study, which analyzed long-term data from American and Chinese cohorts, noted that the protective effects against heart attacks and strokes remained stable for decades after glucose levels returned to normal.

Additionally, research involving 66,000 participants examined the impact of dietary fats. The study found that reducing saturated fat intake does not significantly lower heart attack or stroke rates in low-risk individuals over a five-year period. However, for high-risk individuals, replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats showed a clear benefit in reducing mortality and serious cardiovascular events.