Highlights
Research recently published in the European Heart Journal highlights the critical role of the junctional protein associated with coronary artery disease (JCAD) in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The study identifies JCAD as a key player in the complex landscape of residual cardiovascular risk.
1. JCAD levels independently predict MACE in ACS patients who remain at high risk due to residual lipid or inflammatory factors.
2. In patients with combined residual inflammatory and lipid risk (RILR), MACE risk increases almost linearly with JCAD concentration.
3. The protein appears to drive adverse outcomes by impairing endogenous fibrinolysis and modulating coagulation pathways.
4. JCAD represents a promising novel therapeutic target to reduce the persistent ischaemic burden in patients receiving guideline-recommended care.
