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REACT study on silent atherosclerosis prevalence

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2026-08-31 17:36 UTC → 2026-08-31 22:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The REACT international research study, involving participants from Spain and Denmark, has revealed that silent atherosclerosis is significantly more prevalent among healthy, asymptomatic adults than previously estimated. Findings published in The New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress indicate that 57.1% of the 16,808 participants, aged 18 to 70, exhibited arterial plaque despite having no prior cardiovascular diagnosis. The research shows the condition can manifest in early adulthood, with approximately one in 13 individuals aged 18 to 29 showing signs of atherosclerosis. Prevalence increases with age, affecting roughly 90% of those in the 60 to 70 age bracket. The study also identified sex-based differences, noting that men typically develop atherosclerotic profiles five to ten years earlier than women, though women may experience accelerated progression between ages 40 and 60 during menopause. Led by Borja Ibáñez of the National Centre for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC) and Henning Bundgaard of Rigshospitalet, the study suggests a shift in prevention strategies. Researchers propose moving from traditional risk factor estimation, such as blood pressure and cholesterol, toward direct plaque detection. Experts suggest that simple ultrasound techniques could be utilized for earlier detection to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. To further validate these findings, the project is expanding its research efforts through new collaborations with India, Singapore, Tanzania, and Mexico.

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