The Role of Glycocalyx Integrity in the Primary Prevention of Major Cardiovascular Events

The researchers intend to recruit individuals who are referred for a routine screening in the primary prevention outpatient clinic of Attikon University hospital, Athens According to institutional protocols, a detailed medical history for atherosclerotic risk factors and current medication is recorded and a baseline clinical examination is performed. Moreover fasting blood samples are drawn to diagnose the presence of diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia. Glycocalyx examination is performed at the same visit. The subjects are revaluated at one month and then followed up according to the attending physician's instructions. Pulse wave velocity and the rest pulse wave analysis parameters were also calculated to determine the additive predictive value for cardiovascular events beyond SCORE2. All subjects are followed up for adverse events (death, stroke, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for heart failure) for 6 years after enrollment via telephonic contact and planned appointment at the outpatient clinic.