Estimación del riesgo cardiovascular: objetivos de control, pruebas de imagen y factores de riesgo emergentes

Assessing cardiovascular risk (CVR) makes it possible to estimate the risk that individuals in a given population have of different cardiovascular events in a given period of time. Performing an assessment requires the identification of risk factors, including age, sex, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and smoking, in addition to other lifestyle-related risk factors (e.g., sedentary lifestyle), analytical determinations (lipoprotein A, C-reactive protein), or imaging tests (coronary calcium). Using risk assessment tools such as SCORE2, REGICOR, or the Framingham Risk Score, it is possible to obtain a snapshot of the risk of individuals whose risk factors are measured by means of systematic and/or opportunistic screening strategies. The objective of these actions is to help establish measures to prevent atherosclerosis, the basis of most cardiovascular diseases. A healthy lifestyle should be promoted in all individuals (Mediterranean diet, exercise, smoking cessation) and, depending on the estimated risk, personalized drug treatments. Factors such as frailty, family history, and socioeconomic status complement the assessment and help personalize risk management. Effective doctor-patient communication and treatment adherence are key to ensuring successful prevention and management of CVR.