Cardiovascular disease: when the risk is already a disease
The article discusses advancements in understanding cardiovascular disease through scientific research, focusing on the study PESA-CNIC-Santander initiated by the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC). This study aimed to detect atherosclerosis before it leads to severe outcomes like heart attacks or strokes. By examining 4,184 apparently healthy individuals aged 40–54 using non-invasive imaging techniques, researchers discovered that 63% had subclinical atherosclerosis, including many considered low-risk. The findings challenged previous assumptions, showing that atherosclerosis often begins earlier than previously thought and progresses rapidly, especially influenced by factors like cholesterol and blood pressure in younger individuals. These insights have led to new questions about the earliest onset of atherosclerosis and whether early treatment could halt or reverse its progression.
New research reveals that cardiovascular disease, often manifesting as heart attacks or strokes in middle age, begins to develop much earlier, during young adulthood. A study involving over 16,800 healthy adults from Spain and Denmark has shown that silent atherosclerosis, characterized by plaque buildup in arteries, starts forming well before symptoms appear. The findings challenge previous assumptions about when such conditions begin and highlight the need for early detection and prevention strategies. The study, led by researchers from the National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC) in Spain and the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, Denmark, found that approximately one in thirteen individuals aged 18 to 29 already had signs of atherosclerosis. This condition progresses silently over time, often without noticeable symptoms until it leads to a serious event like a stroke or heart attack. As participants aged, the prevalence of atherosclerosis increased significantly. By the time individuals reached their 60s and 70s, nearly nine out of ten showed evidence of the disease, even though they had not previously been diagnosed with cardiovascular issues. The research builds upon earlier studies conducted by the CNIC in collaboration with Banco Santander, which began in 2010. That initiative, known as PESA-CNIC-Santander, followed 4,184 apparently healthy individuals aged 40 to 54 over more than fifteen years. Using non-invasive imaging techniques, scientists observed how atherosclerosis developed in these subjects. They discovered that many participants who were considered low-risk still had subclinical atherosclerosis, indicating that the disease was already present and progressing long before traditional risk factors became apparent. This groundbreaking work prompted further questions about the origins of atherosclerosis. Could it start even earlier than previously thought? Could its progression be halted or reversed through early intervention? To answer these questions, researchers launched the REACT study, supported by the philanthropic foundation Novo Nordisk. This new project aimed to create a comprehensive map of silent atherosclerosis across the entire adult lifespan, examining coronary, carotid, and femoral arteries using advanced technology. The results of REACT have reshaped understanding of cardiovascular health. It shows that atherosclerosis does not emerge suddenly but rather accumulates gradually over decades. Factors such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure play a critical role, especially when they affect younger individuals. These findings suggest that the biological process underlying cardiovascular disease is prolonged and potentially modifiable, offering new opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment. Researchers emphasize that the implications of this study extend beyond medical science into public health policy. Traditional approaches to cardiovascular risk assessment focus on identifying individuals likely to experience a heart attack or stroke based on statistical probabilities. However, this approach overlooks the fact that the disease itself is a continuous biological process that can begin in youth. Understanding this shift could lead to more effective preventive measures tailored to different life stages. The study's authors stress the importance of lifestyle choices in mitigating the risks associated with atherosclerosis. Eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, and managing blood pressure remain crucial steps in reducing the likelihood of developing severe cardiovascular complications later in life. Early identification of atherosclerosis through non-invasive screening methods could allow for timely interventions that might prevent or delay the onset of clinical disease. As the data continues to accumulate, scientists anticipate further insights into gender differences in atherosclerosis progression. Initial findings indicate that both men and women are affected, but the specific patterns and rates of development may vary. Future research will explore these nuances to refine prevention strategies and improve patient outcomes. The ultimate goal is to transform the way cardiovascular disease is understood, detected, and managed, ensuring that interventions occur at the earliest possible stage.
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The article discusses advancements in understanding cardiovascular disease through scientific research, focusing on the study PESA-CNIC-Santander initiated by the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC). This study aimed to detect atherosclerosis before it leads to severe outcomes like heart attacks or strokes. By examining 4,184 apparently healthy individuals aged 40–54 using non-invasive imaging techniques, researchers discovered that 63% had subclinical atherosclerosis, including many considered low-risk. The findings challenged previous assumptions, showing that atherosclerosis often begins earlier than previously thought and progresses rapidly, especially influenced by factors like cholesterol and blood pressure in younger individuals. These insights have led to new questions about the earliest onset of atherosclerosis and whether early treatment could halt or reverse its progression.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on medical research and health science, discussing a scientific study on cardiovascular disease. It does not involve political figures, policies, or ideological debates. The content is purely informative and neutral in tone, presenting findings without any apparent bias or agenda
Why factuality (85): This article accurately reflects the CNIC's role in the PESA-CNIC-Santander study, mentioning the collaboration with Banco Santander and the follow-up over 15 years. It discusses the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in 63% of participants, which is consistent with the broader context of early
Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a balanced and scientific tone, discussing the implications of the findings without overtly promoting any specific agenda. It presents both the limitations and significance of the study in an objective manner, focusing on the medical and scientific community's perspective.
El PaísIndependent🔒CenterFactual 80Objective 758/29/2026
A study involving over 16,800 healthy adults in Spain and Denmark suggests that silent atherosclerosis, which involves the buildup of plaque in arteries without causing symptoms, begins much earlier than previously thought and affects more people than expected. This condition, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes, develops silently over many years and is influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, smoking, and blood pressure management. The findings highlight the importance of adopting healthy habits early in life to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses a medical study on atherosclerosis and its implications for health, without any political framing, bias, or reference to political entities, policies, or figures. It focuses purely on health research and prevention strategies.
Why factuality (80): The article mentions the CNIC's involvement in a study with over 16,800 adults, which is consistent with the CNIC's research activities. It discusses silent atherosclerosis starting much earlier than previously thought, which aligns with the general theme of early disease development from the primar
Why objectivity (75): The article emphasizes the importance of healthy habits and prevention, which is a common public health message. While this is reasonable, it introduces a slight promotional tone regarding lifestyle choices, which may influence the reader's perception beyond purely scientific reporting.
A study conducted by the National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC) in Spain and the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, Denmark, has revealed that one in thirteen young people aged between 18 and 29 already have atherosclerotic plaques in their arteries before reaching their thirties. These plaques, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes later in life, often develop silently without symptoms or prior diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. The research indicates that such conditions begin to form during early adulthood, long before traditional risk factors like high cholesterol or hypertension become apparent. As the study expanded to include individuals up to 70 years old, it was found that 57.1% of participants had these plaques, highlighting the importance of early detection and prevention strategies.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses medical research findings related to cardiovascular health and does not present any political opinions, biases, or controversial viewpoints. It focuses solely on scientific data and health implications.
Why factuality (75): The article references a study involving the CNIC and Rigshospitalet, aligning with the primary source document's mention of CNIC's involvement in research. It states that 1 out of 13 young adults between 18-29 have atherosclerotic plaques before turning 30, which is supported by the general context
Why objectivity (65): The tone is informative but leans slightly towards emphasizing the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes, which could be seen as promoting a particular health message. The article presents findings without clear bias but does frame them in a way that highlights the urgency of preventiv
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