From Risk Factors to Systemic Disease: An Integrated Cardiovascular–Vascular Approach for Early Detection and Risk Management

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, driven by complex interactions between metabolic, hemodynamic, and inflammatory factors. In recent years, the concept of the cardiovascular–vascular continuum has emerged as a comprehensive model that integrates cardiac and peripheral vascular diseases into a single systemic process. This review aims to analyze current evidence regarding this continuum, emphasizing the importance of early detection, global risk assessment, and coordinated management between cardiology and angiology. A structured narrative review was conducted using high-impact literature published from 2020 onward, including international clinical guidelines, randomized trials, and large observational studies. The analysis focused on the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, the interaction of major cardiovascular risk factors, the clinical expression of disease across multiple vascular territories, and the implementation of integrated prevention and treatment strategies. The findings demonstrate that cardiovascular risk is cumulative and synergistic, with hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and obesity acting as central drivers of systemic vascular damage. Peripheral arterial disease and polyvascular involvement were identified as key markers of advanced atherosclerosis and increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Additionally, the evidence supports the role of early detection strategies and multidisciplinary care models in improving clinical outcomes.