Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

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Being one of the leading causes of death worldwide, Cardiovascular disease steals more years of potential life than any other human condition. Fortunately, over the past thirty years significant progress has been made in the areas of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of CVD. One of the most critical advances has been the identification of the major risk factors for CVD which arose from studies such as the Framingham Heart Study and the Seven Countries Study.

Conventional risk factors for CVD include hypertension, smoking, diabetes, central obesity, high cholesterol, and low HDL cholesterol. However, in an individual the presence of only one of these factors has a low positive predictive value, with a significant number of cardiovascular events still occurring in individuals without these risk indicators being present.

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Without a doubt, diet and lifestyle factors can hinder or enhance heart and vascular health. Evaluating risk preventatively can be one of the most valuable preventative things a person can do, particularly from the age of 40 on. 

Research 

With a significant amount of research in recent years on cardiovascular disease, which is a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke. Here are some recent findings:

1. Role of inflammation: Inflammation is thought to play a key role in the development of cardiovascular disease, and getting to the cause of chronic inflammation in the body is important to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in those who are vulnerable to these conditions.

2. Genetic factors: Recent research has identified several genetic factors that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. For example, a study published in Nature Genetics in 2020 identified 14 new genetic variants associated with heart disease risk. Having a Comprehensive Genetic Profile Panel done helps bring to awareness your underlying risk factors, if present. 

3. Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking are important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Recent research has focused on the role of plant-based diets in reducing the risk of heart disease, as well as the potential benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for improving cardiovascular health.

4. Novel therapies: There have been several new therapies developed in recent years for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. For example, PCSK9 inhibitors, a class of medications that lower LDL cholesterol, have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in people with a history of heart disease. Additionally, gene therapy and stem cell therapy are being explored as potential treatments for heart failure.

5. COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease: There is growing evidence that COVID-19 can have a significant impact on the cardiovascular system, with studies suggesting that the virus can cause inflammation and damage to the heart muscle. Additionally, people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease may be at higher risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. (*Research paper links below)

6. Covid Vaccines: On the government website as at 1.5.23, it states "The risk of myocarditis is higher (although still rare) after vaccination with Moderna original formulation compared with Pfizer original formulation." and "Evidence suggests that AstraZeneca and Novavax are probably associated with a small increased risk of myocarditis and pericarditis." I personally have had clients who have taken these vaccines report to their GP with an increased clotting risk, and one of my patients had a stroke after it. The Astrazenica vaccine was quietly pulled from the Australian market as at March 20th 2023, and interestingly Pfeizer is under investigation in America for it's link with increased cardiovascular risk. It is too early for all the research to be in, but it is an important space to be alert to if you have taken any of the vaccines under investigation.