Screening for cardiovascular disease risk in asymptomatic patients

Abstract

 Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death in Western countries and one of the leading causes of death in the world. The lifetime risk of atherosclerosis-related CVD in persons aged 50 years averages 52% for men and 39% for women, with large differences depending on the severity of risk factors. Cardiovascular risk assessment may be useful for targeting preventive treatment in patients who are asymptomatic but at high risk for CVD. Stratification of patients according to CVD risk remains challenging, especially in cases with low or intermediate short-term risk.