Comparison of Vascular Age Changes Over Two Time Periods Between Clinical Trial Participants and Patients Receiving Routine Outpatient Care
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59471/ijhsc2026426Keywords:
Age, Cardiovascular Risk Assessment, Clinical Trials, Cardiovascular Prevention, Risk Factor Control, Patient Follow-Up, Treatment AdherenceAbstract
Introduction: Participation in clinical trials may contribute to improved cardiovascular risk factor control through structured follow-up, greater adherence to therapeutic recommendations, and closer clinical monitoring. Objective: To compare changes in the difference between vascular age and chronological age among patients enrolled in clinical research protocols and patients receiving routine outpatient care. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed in 75 patients followed for 24 months. The primary outcome was the change in the vascular age–chronological age difference (vascular age delta). Comparisons between groups were performed using adjusted statistical models considering relevant clinical variables. Results: Patients participating in clinical protocols showed a greater reduction in vascular age delta compared with those receiving routine care (4.5% vs. 1.4%). The adjusted difference between groups was 3.1 percentage points (95% CI: −4.48 to −1.72; p<0.001). This association remained statistically significant after adjustment for potential confounding factors. Conclusion: Participation in clinical trials was associated with a more favorable evolution of vascular age over a 24-month period. The findings suggest that protocolized follow-up, enhanced adherence, and systematic cardiovascular risk management may contribute to improved vascular health outcomes.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Fernando Guerlloy, Rafael Porcile, Javier Zaidman (Author)
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