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10 marksDrNB 2025CardiologyPreventive Cardiology
Non-conventional risk markers of ASCVD and associated interventions.
Non-conventional risk markers of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) are novel biomarkers and imaging indicators beyond the traditional risk factors (age, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, dyslipidemia) that enhance risk stratification and prediction of ASCVD events (Harrison's 21e, Ch. 265).
These markers reflect additional pathogenic mechanisms such as inflammation, plaque instability, and subclinical atherosclerosis, contributing to residual cardiovascular risk despite control of conventional factors.
| Category | Examples | Pathophysiology |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory markers | hs-CRP, IL-6, Lp-PLA2 | Chronic vascular inflammation promoting plaque formation |
| Lipid-related markers | Lipoprotein(a), ApoB, small dense LDL | Proatherogenic lipoproteins inducing endothelial injury |
| Hemostatic markers | Fibrinogen, D-dimer | Hypercoagulable states facilitating thrombosis |
| Imaging markers | Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) | Detection of subclinical atherosclerosis and plaque burden |
(Harrison's 21e, Ch. 265; Braunwald's Heart Disease 12e, Ch. 77)
References
Braunwald's Heart Disease 12e, Ch. 77; Harrison's 21e, Ch. 265Harrison's 21e, Ch. 265Harrison's 21e, Ch. 265; Braunwald's Heart Disease 12e, Ch. 77Harrison's 21e; Braunwald's Heart Disease 12e