Prevention Of Atherosclerotic Disease Research Articles

High physical activity relates to higher risk of incident carotid plaque components

Abstract Background The rupture of carotid atherosclerotic plaque, primarily driven by plaque components, is among the leading causes of ischemic stroke. Although physical activity (PA) stands as a major modifiable target for prevention of atherosclerotic diseases, recent studies suggested a potential adverse impact of high-volume PA on atherosclerotic plaque burden in athletes. Data remains scarce from the community-dwelling population regarding to the impact of PA on the longitudinal change of carotid plaque components. Objectives To assess the association between PA and the incidence of carotid plaque components and explore whether the association of PA with stroke and all-cause mortality differs by the presence of plaque components. Methods Between 2007 and 2012, in a community- dwelling cohort in Netherlands, 1327 stroke-free persons (mean ± standard deviation age 72 ± 9 years, 45% women) with carotid atherosclerosis (carotid intima-media thickness > 2.5 mm) were invited for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess carotid plaque components. From these, 696 persons (1267 carotid arteries) underwent a follow-up MRI between 2014 and 2017 (median between-scan interval 6 years). Carotid plaque components included calcification, intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC). The volume of moderate, vigorous and total PA (unit: metabolic equivalent task hour, MET-h) was assessed using LASA Physical Activity Questionnaires around the time of the first MRI scan. Participants were followed for the occurrence of stroke or all-cause mortality until December 31, 2019. Generalized estimation equation and Cox regression models were used in the analyses, with adjustments for plaque size and other cardiovascular risk factors. Results Compared to lowest quintile PA group, participants in the highest quintile total PA group had a higher risk of new onset of plaque components, odds ratio (95%CI) 2.69 (1.21; 5.94) for calcification, 1.35 (0.82; 2.24) for LRNC and 1.93 (1.12; 3.34) for IPH (Figure 1). Similar associations were observed for vigorous PA but not for moderate PA. Over a median follow-up of 9.5 years, 118 persons suffered a stroke and 298 died. As shown in table 1, baseline IPH, rather than LRNC or calcification, modulated the associations of PA with stroke and all-cause mortality (P-interaction <0.05): higher total PA was associated with a lower risk of stroke among IPH-free persons, with the hazard ratio (95% CI) of 0.929 (0.867; 0.996) per 10 MET-h/week increase; no associations between PA and stroke were found among those with IPH. Similar associations were found between vigorous PA and all-cause mortality. Conclusions Among the middle-aged and elderly with subclinical atherosclerosis, high level PA, especially high vigorous PA, may lead to an unstable carotid plaque. The beneficial effect of PA on stroke and all-cause mortality is only among persons with a stable carotid plaque profile, especially without IPH.

The levels of serum lipoprotein(a) on clinical outcomes in Chinese hospitalized patients with cardiovascular diseases

ObjectiveSerum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. However, the relationship between the serum Lp(a) and clinical outcomes has been seldom studied in Chinese hospitalized patients with cardiovascular diseases.MethodsWe retrospectively collected the clinical data of hospitalized patients with cardiovascular diseases in the Cardiovascular Department of Dongguan People’s Hospital from 2016 to 2021 through the electronic case system. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on Lp(a) quartiles: Quartile1 (≤ 80.00 mg/L), Quartile 2 (80.01 ~ 160.90 mg/L), Quartile 3 (160.91 ~ 336.41 mg/L), Quartile 4 (> 336.41 mg/L). Cox proportional hazard regression models were constructed to examine the relationship between Lp(a) and cardiovascular events.ResultsA total of 8382 patients were included in this study. After an average follow-up of 619 (320 to 1061) days, 1361 (16.2%) patients developed major adverse cardiovascular events, and 125 (1.5%) all-cause death were collected. The incidence of MACEs was 7.65, 8.24, 9.73 and 10.75 per 100 person-years in each Lp(a) quartile, respectively; the all-cause mortality was 0.48, 0.69, 0.64 and 1.18 per 100 person-years in each Lp(a) quartile, respectively. The multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that high Lp(a) level was an independent risk factor for MACEs (HR: 1.189, [95% CI: 1.045 to 1.353], P = 0.030) and all-cause death (HR: 1.573, [95% CI: 1.009 to 2.452], P = 0.046).ConclusionIn addition to traditional lipid indicators, higher Lp(a) exhibited higher risks of adverse cardiovascular events and death, indicated worse prognosis. Lp(a) may be a new target for the prevention of atherosclerotic diseases.

Trends in cardiovascular disease incidence among 22 million people in the UK over 20 years: population based study

ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) overall and by age, sex, and socioeconomic status, and its variation over time, in the UK during 2000-19.DesignPopulation based study.SettingUK.Participants1 650 052...

Psoriasis in Norway: a prescription-based registry study of psoriasis-associated comorbidities.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease, frequently associated with comorbidities. The aim of this study was to characterize comorbidities associated with skin psoriasis using real-world data. The study was conducted in Norway, taking advantage of the universal healthcare system with equal access to healthcare and a mandatory prescription reporting system that applies to all hospitals and clinics. The study focused on patients registered in the Norwegian Prescription Database (NorPD) who had either a diagnosis code indicating skin psoriasis alone or in combination with diagnosis codes for pre-selected comorbidities. Between 2004 and 2020, a total of 272,725 patients diagnosed with skin psoriasis were identified in NorPD, and 84,432 patients received their first prescription for skin psoriasis between 2015 and 2020. Among these, patients who received prescriptions for pre-selected comorbidities, either before or after initial prescription for psoriasis treatment, were included in the study. The most common prescriptions for patients with skin psoriasis were for primary prevention of atherosclerotic disease (22.6%), established atherosclerotic disease (19.3%), and depression (18.4%). These were closely followed by prescriptions for other comorbidities such as heart failure (16.1%), type II diabetes mellitus (9.4%), hypertension (9.4%), anxiety (7.8%), psoriatic arthritis (5.5%), acute myocardial infarction (4.2%), hypertensive cardiac disease (3.0%), ulcerative colitis (2.4%), type I diabetes mellitus (2.2%), secondary prophylaxis after myocardial infarction (1.6%), and Crohn's disease (1.0%). Patients with skin psoriasis have a high number of prescriptions not only for their psoriasis but also for many other conditions compared to reports in the literature on the general population.

Clinical Scenarios that Require Suspension of Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease

Antiplatelet therapy is increasingly common, especially among patients with ischemic heart disease or atrial fibrillation. With the rising number of individuals undergoing anticoagulation treatment, often for conditions like atrial fibrillation, and the increased use of antiplatelet drugs for atherosclerotic disease prevention, the necessity for procedural interventions that require the suspension of these therapies has surged. The decision to interrupt antiplatelet treatment becomes crucial in such scenarios, balancing the risks of thrombotic events and bleeding complications. Implementing appropriate strategies demands a comprehensive understanding of the indications, associated complications, and optimal management of this therapeutic interruption. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge and guidelines, providing insights into the theoretical framework, indications for suspension, potential complications, and practical considerations in managing the suspension of antiplatelet therapy in clinical scenarios related to ischemic heart disease.

Incidence of cardiovascular diseases over the past 20 years - a population-based study in 22 million individuals

Abstract Background The incidence of atherosclerotic diseases has declined considerably since the early 2000s but the extent to which these reductions have occurred in different subgroups of patients is unknown. Whether there have been similar changes in the incidence of other cardiovascular diseases is also uncertain. Methods We used linked primary and secondary electronic health records of 22 million individuals from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), a cohort that is representative of the UK population in terms of age and sex. We calculated the incidence of 10 cardiovascular diseases from 2000 to 2019 and used Poisson regression models to investigate temporal trends and variation by age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Findings: Among the 22 009 375 individuals included in the study, we identified a total of 2 015 280 patients with a new diagnosis of at least one cardiovascular disease between 2000 and 2019 (mean (SD) age: 68.7 (16.8) years, 49% women). Collectively, the incidence of all 10 cardiovascular disorders (standardised by age and sex) decreased by 8% over the study period (incidence rate ratio (IRR) comparing 2017-2019 vs 2000-2002: 0.92 [0.92, 0.93]). The incidence of ischaemic heart disease and stroke decreased by about 30% over the study period (IRR comparing 2017-2019 vs 2000-2002: 0.72 [0.72, 0.73] and 0.73 [0.72, 0.74] for ischaemic heart disease and stroke, respectively), yet these improvements were largely restricted to older age groups and no improvements were observed in the incidence of atherosclerotic disease before the age of 60 years. The reductions in atherosclerotic diseases were also paralleled by a rising number of diagnoses of cardiac arrhythmias, valve disease, and thromboembolic diseases, which increased considerably over the 20 years studied (Figure 1). Most cardiovascular disorders were more common in men than in women of the same age. However, the overall crude incidence of cardiovascular diseases was similar in men and women, due to the higher number of women in older age groups. A socioeconomic gradient was evident across all cardiovascular diseases, did not decrease over time, and was most important for peripheral arterial disease (IRR most deprived compared to least deprived: 1.56 [1.55, 1.58]), heart failure (1.50 [1.49, 1.51]) and ischaemic heart disease (1.48 [1.48, 1.49]) (Figure 2). Interpretation: Despite important improvements in the prevention of atherosclerotic diseases, the overall burden of cardiovascular diseases remains very high. Further improvements in cardiovascular disease prevention may need to consider the broader spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, such as arrhythmia, valve diseases, and thromboembolic diseases, and examine the specific needs of younger age groups and socioeconomically deprived populations.Figure 1Figure 2

Stenting for Severe C7 Stenosis of Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) and Related Literature Review

Intracranial Atherosclerosis (ICAS) is a common cerebrovascular lesion worldwide and an important cause of stroke [1]. Nonmodifiable risk factors include age, gender, and genetics, with age being a key factor and atherosclerosis usually progressive, with no clinical manifestations until middle age. Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) has increased fivefold among people aged 40 to 60. Before menopause, women are less prone to atherosclerosis than men, and the incidence of atherosclerosis is increased in postmenopausal women [2,3]. The inheritance of various genetic polymorphisms and the accumulation of family risk factors (such as diabetes and hypertension) create multiple conditions for the formation of atherosclerosis [4]. On the other hand, modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and high blood pressure, can be improved by adjusting daily life. Studies have analyzed that white people are prone to extracranial arterial occlusive disease, while Asian, black and Hispanic people have a higher risk of intracranial atherosclerotic disease [1]. Therefore, the prevention of atherosclerotic disease, has been very urgent, to increase publicity, from the source to solve the problem.

Stenting for Severe C7 Stenosis of Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) and Related Literature Review

Intracranial Atherosclerosis (ICAS) is a common cerebrovascular lesion worldwide and an important cause of stroke [1]. Non-modifiable risk factors include age, gender, and genetics, with age being a key factor and atherosclerosis usually progressive, with no clinical manifestations until middle age. Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) has increased fivefold among people aged 40 to 60. Before menopause, women are less prone to atherosclerosis than men, and the incidence of atherosclerosis is increased in postmenopausal women [2,3]. The inheritance of various genetic polymorphisms and the accumulation of family risk factors (such as diabetes and hypertension) create multiple conditions for the formation of atherosclerosis [4]. On the other hand, modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and high blood pressure, can be improved by adjusting daily life. Studies have analyzed that white people are prone to extracranial arterial occlusive disease, while Asian, black and Hispanic people have a higher risk of intracranial atherosclerotic disease [1]. Therefore, the prevention of atherosclerotic disease, has been very urgent, to increase publicity, from the source to solve the problem.

Evaluation of statin utilisation in tertiary care teaching hospital: An observational prospective study, YSR Kadapa

ABSTRACT; Introduction: Statins are highly preferred drugs in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerotic diseases. Statins usage increased in the last two decades. DUE is a cyclic quality-enhancing procedure in the prescription of drugs. Methods: Our study engaged in compiling various prescribing conditions for statins, assessing their effectiveness and safety, and comparing the lipid profile images of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin. A prospective observational study with the involvement of 150 volunteers The complete data collected is analysed using SAS and Microsoft Excel software. Statistical methods of mean, standard deviation, clinical significance, and Z value are calculated. Results: Atorvastatin (20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg) and Rosuvastatin (5 mg and 10mg) are widely used in the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular problems. Average reduction of LDL and total cholesterol levels to 106.5(SD ±11.04) and 203.53 (SD±94) respectively. Key words: Atorvastatin, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular problems, non adherence, Re-occurrence, Rosuvastatin.

Novel Aspects Targeting Platelets in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease—A Translational Perspective

Platelets are important cellular targets in cardiovascular disease. Based on insights from basic science, translational approaches and clinical studies, a distinguished anti-platelet drug treatment regimen for cardiovascular patients could be established. Furthermore, platelets are increasingly considered as cells mediating effects "beyond thrombosis", including vascular inflammation, tissue remodeling and healing of vascular and tissue lesions. This review has its focus on the functions and interactions of platelets with potential translational and clinical relevance. The role of platelets for the development of atherosclerosis and therapeutic modalities for primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic disease are addressed. Furthermore, novel therapeutic options for inhibiting platelet function and the use of platelets in regenerative medicine are considered.

DOACs and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Management: Can We Find the Right Balance Between Efficacy and Harm.

The balance between efficacy and harm remains a challenge in the adoption of non-vitamin K antagonist direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for secondary atherosclerotic disease prevention. We provide a comprehensive review of the evidence for and against the addition of DOACs to the current management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including stable coronary artery disease (CAD), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), peripheral artery disease (PAD), and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). The DOAC class exerts pleiotropic effects on atherosclerotic progression through coagulation and inflammatory pathways. In ACS, low-dose DOAC provides no added efficacy in the setting of dual antiplatelet therapy; however, full-dose DOAC increases bleeding. Efficacy-safety profile favor use of low-dose rivaroxaban in select stable CAD or PAD patients. Atrial fibrillation patients undergoing PCI resort to dual therapy with DOAC due to prohibitory bleeding with triple anti-thrombotic therapy. Evidence favors DOAC use in CAD and PAD; however, careful individual considerations must be undertaken.

All-cause and in-hospital mortality after aspirin use in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

With the results of the largest randomized controlled trial (RECOVERY) and the most extensive retrospective cohort study on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recently published, we performed a meta-analysis on the association of aspirin with mortality of COVID-19. We aimed to investigate the role of aspirin in COVID-19 hospitalizations. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases for studies from 1 January 2020 until 20 July 2022, that compared aspirin versus non-aspirin use in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We excluded case reports, review articles and studies on non-hospitalized COVID-19 infections. We used the inverse variance method and random effects model to pool the individual studies. Ten observational studies and one randomized controlled trial met the criteria for inclusion. There were 136695 total patients, of which 27168 were in the aspirin group and 109527 were in the non-aspirin group. Aspirin use was associated with a 14% decrease in all-cause mortality compared with non-aspirin use in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 [relative risk (RR) 0.86, confidence interval (95% CI) 0.76-0.97; P = 0.002; I 2=64%]. Among subgroups of studies reporting in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 hospitalizations, aspirin use was associated with a 16% decrease in in-hospital mortality compared with non-aspirin use (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71-0.99; P = 0.007; I 2 =64%). Our study shows that aspirin decreases in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Further studies are needed to assess which COVID-19 patient populations benefit most, such as patients on aspirin for primary versus secondary prevention of atherosclerotic disease. In addition, significant bleeding also needs to be considered when assessing the risk-benefit of aspirin use.

Prevention of atherosclerosis from childhood.

Cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerosis do not typically manifest before middle age; however, the disease process begins early in life. Preclinical atherosclerosis can be quantified with imaging methods in healthy populations long before clinical manifestations present. Cohort studies have shown that childhood exposure to risk factors, such as dyslipidaemia, elevated blood pressure and tobacco smoking, are associated with adult preclinical atherosclerotic phenotypes. Importantly, these long-term effects are substantially reduced if the individual becomes free from the risk factor by adulthood. As participants in the cohorts continue to age and clinical end points accrue, the strongest evidence linking exposure to risk factors in early life with cardiovascular outcomes has begun to emerge. Although science has deciphered the natural course of atherosclerosis, discovered its causal risk factors and developed effective means to intervene, we are still faced with an ongoing global pandemic of atherosclerotic diseases. In general, atherosclerosis goes undetected for too long, and preventive measures, if initiated at all, are inadequate and/or come too late. In this Review, we give an overview of the available literature suggesting the importance of initiating the prevention of atherosclerosis in early life and provide a summary of the major paediatric programmes for the prevention of atherosclerotic disease. We also highlight the limitations of current knowledge and indicate areas for future research.

Inhibition of MicroRNA-92 alleviates atherogenesis by regulation of macrophage polarization through targeting KLF4

BackgroundAtherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which macrophage polarization plays an important role in contribution to atherosclerotic plaque formation and stability. Here we tested the effect of miR-92 regulation on the development of atherosclerosis beyond tumorigenesis and explored the potential mechanism. Methods and resultsIn the present study, bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs), mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPMs), and human macrophages were used to test the expression of miR-92. Here we noticed miR-92 levels were enhanced in classic M1 macrophage but decreased in alternative M2 macrophage, respectively. In vitro, we demonstrated that macrophages transfected with miR-92 inhibitor attenuated proinflammatory cytokine secretion represented by polarized M1 markers but promoted anti-inflammatory state that was indicative of an M2 phenotype. Mechanistically, miR-92 was found to directly interact with KLF4 and we further identified a requirement role of KLF4 in mediating the effect of miR-92 silencing macrophage polarization. Concomitantly, miR-92 inhibition treated ApoE−/− mice promoted macrophage polarization toward alternative M2 macrophage, thus protecting against atherosclerotic plaque formation and preventing a vulnerable phenotype. ConclusionmiR-92 inhibition promoted alternative macrophage activation and attenuated atherosclerosis regression partially regulated in a KLF4-dependent manner, which indicated that miR-92/KLF4 axis may serve as a promising strategy for prevention of atherosclerotic diseases.

Aspirin in primary prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is one of the most used medications worldwide. The antithrombotic agent acts mainly through inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 and consequently thromboxane A2 synthesis, causing an irreversible suppression of platelet function. Despite of its proven benefit in the treatment and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic diseases, its use for the primary prevention remains controversial due to an unclear balance between the benefits and risks of aspirin. Moreover, the recent evidence indicates that the risk of major bleeding outweighs the potential to reduce ischemic events in patients without atherosclerotic diseases, thus, precluding the general use of aspirin for the primary prevention.

How to Use Statins in Secondary Prevention of Atherosclerotic Diseases: from the Beneficial Early Initiation to the Potentially Unfavorable Discontinuation.

Statins, a class of lipid-lowering drugs, reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with established atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease. Early initiation of statin therapy after admission for acute coronary syndromes (ACS), stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes. Moreover, high-dose statin treatment prior to coronary or carotid revascularization has been shown to reduce cardiovascular events in these patients. However, many patients may be undertreated, and a residual cardiovascular risk remains in current clinical practice. Despite the beneficial role of statins, their discontinuation rate among patients is still elevated leading to severe adverse cardiovascular events due to atherosclerotic plaque destabilization. In this review, we summarized the impact of statin treatment among patients, focusing on the initiation time-points as well as the potential harm derived by their discontinuation.

Outreach and equity in patient centered outcomes research: Lessons from the adaptable study at Montefiore hospital

Background and Aims: ADAPTABLE is the first PCOR trial in US, comparing the effectiveness of two aspirin doses for secondary prevention of atherosclerotic disease. Novel features include patients’ representation as research partners, leveraging of electronic health records, participation via internet and low cost. Direct patient engagement can improve research impact and provide access to minority populations, often less represented in clinical research. We aim to analyze patient's data from Montefiore Hospital in Bronx, NY, serving a community of socioeconomically disadvantaged minorities.

Effects of Pemafibrate in Patients with Stroke and Hypertriglyceridemia: Baseline Cerebral Artery Diseases and 3-Month Laboratory Outcomes.

Aims: The role of hypertriglyceridemia in stroke is poorly understood. The Pemafibrate for Prevention of Atherosclerotic Diseases in Stroke (PPAR Stroke) study was designed to assess the effects of a novel selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha modulator, pemafibrate, on vascular outcomes in stroke patients with hypertriglyceridemia. Methods: This was a prospective single-arm study including 74 patients (mean age, 64.1 years; male 75.7%) with stroke and hypertriglyceridemia (defined as fasting serum triglycerides levels of ≥ 150 mg/dL) who were treated with pemafibrate at 0.2 mg or 0.1 mg/day. The present report assessed the association of hypertriglyceridemia with cerebral large and small vessel diseases at baseline and changes in laboratory parameters after a three-month pemafibrate therapy. Results: Patients with triglycerides levels of ≥ 227 mg/dL (higher than the median) more often presented with intracranial artery atherosclerotic stenosis than those with triglycerides levels of 150–227 mg/dL (44.4% vs. 21.6%,p=0.037). On the other hand, no differences were found in the prevalence of extracranial artery atherosclerosis and cerebral small vessel diseases. Mean triglycerides levels were significantly reduced from 285 mg/dL at baseline to 175 mg/dL at 3 months (p＜0.001). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased from 48 mg/dL to 53 mg/dL (p＜0.001). In addition, significant reductions in alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and interleukin-6 levels were observed (p＜0.001,p=0.002, andp=0.044, respectively). Conclusions: Higher triglycerides levels are associated with intracranial artery atherosclerosis. Pemafibrate showed pleiotropic effects not only in ameliorating atherogenic dyslipidemia but also in the reduction of the levels of inflammatory markers and hepatobiliary enzymes.

Sitosterolemia: A Rare Case with Broad Implications

Sitosterolemia is an ultra-rare autosomal recessive dyslipidemia characterized by mutations in genes encoding the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) G5/8 transporters. We describe the case of a 20-month-old female presenting with xanthomas and serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol of 657 mg/dL. Diagnostic workup revealed a previously undescribed sitosterolemia-causing mutation. After elimination of dietary sterols and initiation of ezetimibe therapy, the patient’s xanthomas resolved, and serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol was reduced to 104 mg/dL. Importantly, pathologically elevated serum phytosterols were found in each of the proband’s heterozygous parents. Elevated phytosterols, an established cause of atherosclerosis, are typically unrevealed by standard lipid testing. As heterozygous mutations for ABCG5/8 are relatively common, this has implications for a broader population than the ultra-rare sitosterolemia cohort. Thus, insights gleaned from this case highlight underappreciated matters in the prevention of atherosclerotic disease in both heterozygous and homozygous carriers alike.

Exercise versus fixed-dose combination therapy for cardiovascular risk factors control and atherosclerotic disease prevention: a network meta-analysis protocol

IntroductionDespite the consistent evidence of the benefits of physical activity on preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) and some cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidaemia, the prescription of drugs...