Cardiovascular risk prevention in clinical medicine: current guidelines in the United States and in Europe

Here we review the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the 2018 European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension blood pressure guidelines. Particular focus is given to key differences between these guidelines. Recommendations in both sets of guidelines that are relevant to the topic of arterial stiffness are highlighted. We also briefly review the implications for arterial stiffness assessment in guiding therapy for other cardiovascular risk factors, like hyperlipidemia. Suggestions for future prevention guidelines that are aimed at improving the understanding and treatment of arterial stiffness as an important determinant of cardiovascular health are provided. We conclude that a thorough understanding of guideline recommendations is critical in order to inform the contemporary assessment and therapeutic management of arterial stiffness as part of the multifaceted approach necessary for optimizing the prevention of cardiovascular disease.