Atherosclerosis

Vitamin E supplementation (alone or with other antioxidants) and stroke: a meta-analysis.

Maggio E, Bocchini VP, Carnevale R, Pignatelli P, Violi F, Loffredo L · Nutrition reviews · 2024

A previous study showed that vitamin E is effective in reducing the incidence of myocardial infarction only when it is taken in the absence of other antioxidants. It is unclear if it also reduces the incidence of stroke. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the effect of vitamin E supplementation alone or combined with other antioxidants on the incidence of stroke. A search was performed in the following databases: PubMed, ISI Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library. Sixteen randomized controlled trials were selected to evaluate the effect of vitamin E supplementation on stroke. The range of vitamin E doses used was 33-800 IU. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 9.4 years. Compared with controls, when vitamin E was given alone it did not reduce the incidence of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Conversely, compared with controls, supplementation of vitamin E with other antioxidants reduced ischemic stroke (

Re-evaluation of the traditional diet-heart hypothesis: analysis of recovered data from Minnesota Coronary Experiment (1968-73).

Ramsden CE, Zamora D, Majchrzak-Hong S, Faurot KR, Broste SK, Frantz RP · BMJ (Clinical research ed.) · 2016 · n=10

To examine the traditional diet-heart hypothesis through recovery and analysis of previously unpublished data from the Minnesota Coronary Experiment (MCE) and to put findings in the context of existing diet-heart randomized controlled trials through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The MCE (1968-73) is a double blind randomized controlled trial designed to test whether replacement of saturated fat with vegetable oil rich in linoleic acid reduces coronary heart disease and death by lowering serum cholesterol. Recovered MCE unpublished documents and raw data were analyzed according to hypotheses prespecified by original investigators. Further, a systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials that lowered serum cholesterol by providing vegetable oil rich in linoleic acid in place of saturated fat without confounding by concomitant interventions was conducted. One nursing home and six state mental hospitals in Minnesota, United States. Unpublished documents wi

Vitamin C and Heart Health: A Review Based on Findings from Epidemiologic Studies.

Moser MA, Chun OK · International journal of molecular sciences · 2016

Vitamin C is a powerful dietary antioxidant that has received considerable attention in the literature related to its possible role in heart health. Although classical vitamin C deficiency, marked by scurvy, is rare in most parts of the world, some research has shown variable heart disease risks depending on plasma vitamin C concentration, even within the normal range. Furthermore, other studies have suggested possible heart-related benefits to vitamin C taken in doses beyond the minimal amounts required to prevent classically defined deficiency. The objective of this review is to systematically review the findings of existing epidemiologic research on vitamin C and its potential role in cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is well established that vitamin C inhibits oxidation of LDL-protein, thereby reducing atherosclerosis, but the cardiovascular outcomes related to this action and other actions of vitamin C are not fully understood. Randomized controlled trials as well as observational

Exercise and carotid atherosclerosis.

Kadoglou NP, Iliadis F, Liapis CD · European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery : the official journal of the European Society for Vascular Surgery · 2008

Both carotid atherosclerosis or increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) are common manifestations of generalized atherosclerosis, closely associated with increased risk of stroke and myocardial infarction. Despite the predominant involvement of physical activity in cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation strategies, its role in carotid atherosclerosis progression is less evaluated. The aim of our study was to review the literature for the contribution of increased physical activity or structured exercise to the prevention and treatment of carotid atherosclerosis. A systematic review was performed of all cross-sectional, interventional, prospective or retrospective, clinical studies. Using the following terms: carotid atherosclerosis, intima-media thickness, physical activity, exercise, life-style, stroke, cardiovascular risk factors, we searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from 1985 to 2007. Carotids ultrasonography and relevant quantitative indexes were prerequisites for

2026 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Blumenthal RS, Morris PB, Gaudino M, Johnson HM, Anderson TS, Bittner VA · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · 2026

The "2026 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia" retires and replaces the "2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol." A comprehensive literature search was conducted from October 2024 to December 2024 to identify clinical studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and other evidence conducted on human participants that were published in English from MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. The focus of this clinical practice guideline is to address the evaluation, management, and monitoring of individuals with dyslipidemias, including high blood cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, and elevated lipoprotein(a).

2026 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Writing Committee Members, Blumenthal RS, Morris PB, Gaudino M, Johnson HM, Anderson TS · Circulation · 2026

The "2026 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia" retires and replaces the "2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol." A comprehensive literature search was conducted from October 2024 to December 2024 to identify clinical studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and other evidence conducted on human participants that were published in English from MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. The focus of this clinical practice guideline is to address the evaluation, management, and monitoring of individuals with dyslipidemias, including high blood cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, and elevated lipoprotein(a).

Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease: 2025 ACC Scientific Statement: A Report of the American College of Cardiology.

Mensah GA, Arnold N, Prabhu SD, Ridker PM, Welty FK · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · 2025

The crucial role of inflammation in the pathogenesis and clinical outcomes of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has recently gained increased attention. In particular, residual inflammation, measured with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) remains strongly predictive of recurrent events, even in statin-treated patients. Similarly, elevated hsCRP in apparently healthy individuals identifies a higher-risk group in whom statin therapy significantly reduces the risk of first major CVD events even if LDL-cholesterol is normal. This report provides an updated understanding of the role of chronic, low-grade inflammation in CVD and highlights new seminal research findings, especially in atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and pericarditis. Consensus recommendations are summarized for screening, evaluation, and CVD risk assessment; inflammatory biomarkers in cardiovascular imaging; inflammation inhibition in behavioral and lifestyle risks; and anti-inflammatory approaches

Efficacy of acupuncture in patients with carotid atherosclerosis: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Huang X, Meng L, Zhao L, Yang S, Lai D, Zhang J · BMC complementary medicine and therapies · 2024 · n=55

The current clinical management of carotid atherosclerosis is based on the control of risk factors and medicine. However, the risk of adverse events associated with the medicine resulting in concerns and low medication compliance makes it necessary to seek a safer alternative therapy. This study assessed the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as a treatment for carotid atherosclerosis. In this randomized controlled trial, patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques were included and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive real acupuncture or sham acupuncture for 12 weeks. The follow-up period was 12 weeks. The primary outcome included carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), plaque score (PS), plaque volume (PV) and grey-scale median (GSM). Secondary outcome was pulse wave velocity (PWV). Adverse events results were recorded as safety outcomes. From January 2021 to February 2022, 60 eligible patients were included. 55 patients (91.7%) completed the intervention and the 12-week follow

Clinical and biomarker modifiers of vitamin D treatment response: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Hsu S, Prince DK, Williams K, Allen NB, Burke GL, Hoofnagle AN · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2022 · n=666

Different 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] thresholds for treatment with vitamin D supplementation have been suggested and are derived almost exclusively from observational studies. Whether other characteristics, including race/ethnicity, BMI, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), should also influence the threshold for treatment is unknown. The aim was to identify clinical and biomarker characteristics that modify the response to vitamin D supplementation. A total of 666 older adults in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) were randomly assigned to 16 wk of oral vitamin D3 (2000 IU/d; n = 499) or placebo (n = 167). Primary outcomes were changes in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] concentrations from baseline to 16 wk. Among 666 participants randomly assigned (mean age: 72 y; 53% female; 66% racial/ethnic minority), 611 (92%) completed the study. The mean (SD) change in PTH was -3 (16) pg/mL with vitamin

Garlic and Heart Disease.

Varshney R, Budoff MJ · The Journal of nutrition · 2016

Thousands of studies have been published based on animal and human studies evaluating garlic's effects and safety. We reviewed the available literature investigating the effects of garlic supplements on hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, C-reactive protein (CRP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and coronary artery calcium (CAC), as well as available data on side effects. We searched PubMed for all human studies using medical subject heading words through 30 May 2013 and assessed relevant review articles and original studies. Only double-blind, randomized, controlled trials and meta-analyses of double-blind, randomized, controlled trials were included. The review of articles and data extraction were performed by 2 independent authors, with any disagreements resolved by consensus. Garlic supplementation reduced blood pressure by 7-16 mm Hg (systolic) and 5-9 mm Hg (diastolic) (4 meta-analyses and 2 original studies). It reduced total cholesterol by 7.4-29.8 mg/dL (8 meta-analyses). The mo

Exercise-Induced Troponin Elevation and Coronary Atherosclerosis: Have We Crossed the Finish Line?

McCarthy CP, Wasfy MM · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · 2025

Personalized Nutrition Biomarkers and Dietary Strategies for Atherosclerosis Risk Management: A Systematic Review.

Fayyaz K, Din MSU, Bashir H, Ahmad F, Barrow CJ, Khalid N · Nutrients · 2025

Background/Objectives: Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to ischemic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as myocardial infarction and stroke, which are leading causes of mortality and morbidity. The management of atherosclerosis through personalized nutrition has gained importance in recent years due to advancements in nutrigenomics, gut microbiome evaluation, and metabolomics. However, no systematic review has comprehensively evaluated the impact of personalized nutrition interventions on atherosclerotic plaque progression and clinical outcomes in humans. Methods: We adopted a systematic approach based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Key databases like PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE via EBSCOhost were searched using predefined terms related to personalized nutrition, atherosclerosis, nutrigenomics, and clinical outcomes. Results: Evidence evaluation using the framework of Boffetta et al. for cumulative evid

Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Implications for Cardiovascular Risk Prevention.

Frank G, Pala B, Gualtieri P, Tocci G, La Placa G, Di Renzo L · Nutrients · 2025 · n=27

Background/Objectives:Arterial hypertension, increased carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and arterial stiffness (AS) are recognized predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Emerging evidence suggests that vascular remodeling may precede the full development of hypertension. Furthermore, body mass index (BMI), fat mass percentage (FM%), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT), are significant risk factors for cardiovascular events. Conversely, adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk due to its beneficial effects on lipid metabolism, inflammation, and vascular health. Methods: This observational study explored the association between nutritional care and cardiovascular risk in 55 Italian adults (27 women, 28 men) consecutively evaluated at the Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", in 2024. Nutritional and vascular assessments, including BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), BIA, DXA, lab tests, blood press

Methyl-CpG-binding 2 K271 lactylation-mediated M2 macrophage polarization inhibits atherosclerosis.

Chen L, Zhang M, Yang X, Wang Y, Huang T, Li X · Theranostics · 2024

Rationale: Posttranslational modifications of proteins have not been addressed in studies aimed at elucidating the cardioprotective effect of exercise in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In this study, we reveal a novel mechanism by which exercise ameliorates atherosclerosis via lactylation. Methods: Using ApoE-/- mice in an exercise model, proteomics analysis was used to identify exercise-induced specific lactylation of MeCP2 at lysine 271 (K271). Mutation of the MeCP2 K271 lactylation site in aortic plaque macrophages was achieved by recombinant adenoviral transfection. Explore the molecular mechanisms by which motility drives MeCP2 K271 lactylation to improve plaque stability using ATAC-Seq, CUT &Tag and molecular biology. Validation of the potential target RUNX1 for exercise therapy using Ro5-3335 pharmacological inhibition. Results: we showed that in ApoE-/- mice, methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) K271 lactylation was observed in aortic root plaque macrophage

Exercise-induced endothelial Mecp2 lactylation suppresses atherosclerosis via the Ereg/MAPK signalling pathway.

Wang Y, Chen L, Zhang M, Li X, Yang X, Huang T · Atherosclerosis · 2023

Lactylation, a recently identified post-translational modification (PTM), plays a central role in the regulation of multiple physiological and pathological processes. Exercise is known to provide protection against cardiovascular disease. However, whether exercise-generated lactate changes lactylation and is involved in the exercise-induced attenuation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of exercise-induced lactylation on ASCVD. Using the high-fat diet-induced apolipoprotein-deficient mouse model of ASCVD, we found that exercise training promoted Mecp2 lysine lactylation (Mecp2k271la); it also decreased the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (Vcam-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (Icam-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (Mcp-1), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and increased the level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (Enos) in the aortic tissue of mice. To e

Exercise Mitigates Endothelial Pyroptosis and Atherosclerosis by Downregulating NEAT1 Through N6-Methyladenosine Modifications.

Yang Q, Chen S, Wang X, Yang X, Chen L, Huang T · Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology · 2023

The benefits of exercise on the cardiovascular system are widely recognized; however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here, we report the effect of the long noncoding RNA NEAT1 (nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1), which is regulated by exercise, on atherosclerosis development after N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications. Using clinical cohorts and NEAT1-/- mice, we determined the exercise-mediated expression and role of NEAT1 in atherosclerosis. To investigate the mechanism of epigenetic modification of NEAT1 regulated by exercise, we identified METTL14 (methyltransferase-like 14)-a key m6A modification enzyme under exercise-and found that METTL14 alters the expression and role of NEAT1 through m6A modification and elucidated the specific mechanism of METTL14 in vitro and in vivo. Finally, the NEAT1 downstream regulatory network was investigated. We found that NEAT1 expression was downregulated with exercise and that downregulation of NEAT1 was an important factor in t

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

NHLBI

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides detailed information on coronary heart disease, a direct consequence of atherosclerosis, including causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Atherosclerosis | Arteriosclerosis

AHA

This page from the American Heart Association provides foundational information on atherosclerosis, describing what it is, its causes, and how it can be prevented and treated. It serves as a general resource for understanding this cardiovascular condition.

Atherosclerosis

NHS

This NHS resource provides comprehensive information on atherosclerosis, including its definition, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and various treatment options. It is aimed at patients and the general public seeking to understand their condition and care pathways.

Prospective, Controlled, Multi-Center, Open, Single Arm Study for the Treatment of Subjects Presenting De Novo Occluded/Stenotic or Re-occluded/Restenotic Lesions of the Superficial Femoral or Popliteal Arteries Using a Paclitaxel-Coated Percutaneous Angioplasty Catheter

n=80 · NCT02110524 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

The purpose of this study is to assess safety and the inhibition of restenosis of the CVI Paclitaxel-coated PTA Balloon Catheter in the treatment of de-novo occluded/stenotic or reoccluded/restenotic superficial femoral (SFA) or popliteal arteries. The primary endpoint for this analysis is late lumen loss at six (6) months.

Vascular Inflammation and Coronary Atherosclerosis Risks in Subjects With Atopic Dermatitis

n=57 · NCT02926807 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

A total of 30 subjects with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Thirty subjects without AD matched for sex, age and coronary artery disease risk factor with the AD subjects will also be included. All subjects will undergo the following imaging procedures: a 18FDG-PET to quantify vascular inflammation in the ascending aorta and carotids and a MDCT to calculate the Agatston score. Skin and blood biomarkers will also be assessed.

Esprit BTK Post-Approval Study (Esprit BTK PAS)

n=200 · NCT06656364 · ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING · ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

The Esprit BTK PAS is a prospective, single-arm, multi-center observational study to assess the continued safety and effectiveness of the Esprit™ BTK Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold System under commercial use, in patients with diseased infrapopliteal lesions causing CLTI (Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia) in a real-world setting. The clinical investigation will be conducted at up to 50 sites in the United States (US) and additional sites may be added outside of the US (OUS). Approximately 200 patients with a minimum of 50% of patients in the US will be registered in the clinical investigation.