Which score is considered the best predictor of future cardiovascular events?

The arterial stiffness score is considered the best predictor of future cardiovascular events due to its direct relationship with cardiovascular health. Arterial stiffness reflects the elastic properties of arteries and can indicate the level of cardiovascular disease risk. As arteries become stiffer, the heart has to work harder to pump blood, which can lead to higher blood pressure and increased strain on the cardiovascular system.

Research has shown that increased arterial stiffness is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. This measure can provide insights into subclinical atherosclerosis and can be a valuable marker for early intervention and risk stratification in individuals who may not yet exhibit traditional risk factors.

While blood pressure measurement, cholesterol levels, and body mass index (BMI) are important health indicators, they may not capture all dimensions of cardiovascular health as effectively as arterial stiffness. For instance, while hypertension and high cholesterol are well-known risk factors, they do not fully account for the mechanical properties of the vascular system. Similarly, BMI is a general measure of weight relative to height and does not specifically assess cardiovascular risk linked to arterial health. Therefore, the arterial stiffness score emerges as a more specific predictor of future cardiovascular events.