New Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Techniques for Primary Prevention: JACC Review Topic of the Week

J Am Coll Cardiol. 2022 Jul 26;80(4):373-387. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.05.015.

Abstract

Risk factor-based models fail to accurately estimate risk in select populations, in particular younger individuals. A sizable number of people are also classified as being at intermediate risk, for whom the optimal preventive strategy could be more precise. Several personalized risk prediction tools, including coronary artery calcium scoring, polygenic risk scores, and metabolic risk scores may be able to improve risk assessment, pending supportive outcome data from clinical trials. Other tools may well emerge in the near future. A multidimensional approach to risk prediction holds the promise of precise risk prediction. This could allow for targeted prevention minimizing unnecessary costs and risks while maximizing benefits. High-risk individuals could also be identified early in life, creating opportunities to arrest the development of nascent coronary atherosclerosis and prevent future clinical events.

Keywords: coronary artery calcium scoring; metabolic risk scores; polygenic risk scores; primary prevention; risk assessment.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / diagnosis
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / metabolism
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / prevention & control
  • Heart Disease Risk Factors
  • Humans
  • Primary Prevention / methods
  • Risk Assessment / methods
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Calcium