Recent publications on Residual Risk

In a key Hotline session, the effects of higher levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were shown to be independent and cumulative, providing a clear rationale for targeting both simultaneously.
 
Using a 2x2 factorial Mendelian randomization study, the investigators incorporated genetic and cardiovascular risk-factor data from 102,773 subjects included in 14 prospective cohort or case-control studies. These data were used to calculate genetic risk scores for each patient based on single nucleotide polymorphisms known to be associated with LDL-C or SBP. Combined exposure to lower LDL-C and lower SBP was significantly greater than the effect of lower LDL-C alone (P=1.4x10-14) and significantly greater than the effect of lowering blood pressure alone (P=1.8x10-23). Combined exposure to 1 mmol/L lower LDL-C and 10 mm Hg lower SBP was associated with an 86.1% lower risk of cardiovascular disease events, as well as an 84% reduction in coronary heart disease mortality. The effect was similar in men and women, smokers and nonsmokers, people with and without diabetes, as well as those with normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels.