The burden of cardiovascular disease and related risk factors in Greece: the ATTICA epidemiological study (2002-2022).

Objective: The aim of this study was to present the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its related risk factors based on a 20-year observation period (2002-2022).

Methods: In 2002, 3042 Greek adults (aged: 45 (12) years) free of CVD, cancer, or any other chronic infections were enrolled. In 2022, the 20-year follow-up was performed on 2169 participants (1988 had complete data for CVD).

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) and Atherosclerosis: Does Hypolipidemic Treatment Have an Effect?

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have attracted much attention recently, beyond elemental host immunity, due to their fundamental implication in a variety of pathologic conditions and widespread impactful diseases. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is one of them, and a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Consequently, years of basic and clinical research were dedicated to shedding light on every possible pathophysiologic mechanism that could be used as an effective prevention and treatment tool to ameliorate its burden.

Association of Alkaline Phosphatase with Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Dyslipidemia: A 6-Year Retrospective Study.

Background And Aim: Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity has been associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We aimed to investigate the association of ALP with ASCVD in patients with dyslipidemia.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including consecutive adults with dyslipidemia followed-up for ≥3 years (from 1999 to 2022) in the outpatient Lipid Clinic of Ioannina University General Hospital, Greece.

Associations between meat type consumption pattern and incident cardiovascular disease: The ATTICA epidemiological cohort study (2002-2022).

Background: Meat consumption has shown from detrimental to beneficial effects against cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence, mainly depending on the type of meat studied (i.e., red/white, processed/unprocessed) and quantity consumed.

Effects of Lipid-Modifying and Other Drugs on Lipoprotein(a) Levels-Potent Clinical Implications.

The past few years have shown an ongoing interest in lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), a lipid molecule that has been proven to have atherogenic, thrombogenic, and inflammatory properties. Several lines of evidence, indeed, have demonstrated an increased risk of cardiovascular disease as well as calcific aortic valve stenosis in patients with elevated Lp(a) levels. Statins, the mainstay of lipid-lowering therapy, slightly increase Lp(a) levels, while most other lipid-modifying agents do not significantly alter Lp(a) concentrations, except for proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors.

Association of Fatty Liver Index with Incident Diabetes Risk in Patients Initiating Statin-Therapy: A 6-Year Retrospective Study.

Background: Statins are associated with new-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D), mainly in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The fatty liver index (FLI) is used as a prognostic score for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is common in patients with MetS. We aimed to investigate the association of FLI with new-onset T2D in patients initiating statin therapy.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia and Lipoprotein(a): A Gordian Knot in Cardiovascular Prevention.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most frequent genetic disorder resulting in increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels from childhood, leading to premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) if left untreated. FH diagnosis is based on clinical criteria and/or genetic testing and its prevalence is estimated as being up to 1:300,000−400,000 for the homozygous and ~1:200−300 for the heterozygous form. Apart from its late diagnosis, FH is also undertreated, despite the available lipid-lowering therapies.