Cardiovascular Disease Progression: A Target for Therapy?

Clinical research aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease has focused on the effect of interventions to reduce risk factors on the incidence of future morbid events. Disease progression, which likely serves as a necessary prerequisite for morbid events, has not served as a target for therapy. The Rasmussen Center at the University of Minnesota has, for the past 18 years, been performing a noninvasive cardiovascular evaluation in individuals with no history of cardiovascular disease. The studies, performed in 1 hour in one room, provide a comprehensive noninvasive assessment of the severity of functional and structural abnormalities in the small arteries, the large arteries and the left ventricle, the target organs for most cardiovascular morbid events. Preliminary follow-up data have revealed a striking relationship between the Disease Score, which represents the sum of the abnormal tests, and the risk of future morbid events. In order to develop strategies to prolong cardiovascular disease-free life expectancy, studies in early stages of disease aimed at slowing disease progression should be encouraged.