Bayer Highlights Advances in Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Following Saudi Heart Association Research on Subclinical Atherosclerosis

Bayer Advancement in Cardiovascular Health Assessment

(IN BRIEF) Bayer has highlighted an important development in cardiovascular health assessment following the Saudi Heart Association’s recent publication recommending greater focus on the early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in clinical practice. The research supports a more personalized approach to cardiovascular risk assessment, moving beyond the traditional binary model of primary and secondary prevention and helping identify individuals whose risk may be underestimated by conventional scoring tools. The Saudi Heart Association recommends validated non-invasive imaging methods such as coronary artery calcium scoring, coronary computed tomography angiography, carotid ultrasound and ankle-brachial index assessment to detect early atherosclerosis and support timely intervention. Bayer said the recommendations align with its broader cardiovascular health strategy and its partnership with the Saudi Heart Association, signed in 2024 to improve cardiac care in Saudi Arabia in alignment with Vision 2030. The collaboration focuses on early identification of at-risk patients, evidence-based risk management, local guideline implementation and improved patient outcomes.

(PRESS RELEASE) BASEL, 9-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Bayer has announced a new milestone in its work to support cardiovascular health, following the Saudi Heart Association’s recent publication focused on the early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in clinical practice.

The research highlights subclinical atherosclerosis as an important opportunity to improve the prevention of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. The recommendations align with Bayer’s broader approach to cardiovascular health assessment, including its support for a more personalized understanding of risk and the use of advanced screening technologies to identify patients who may benefit from earlier intervention.

In many healthcare systems, cardiovascular disease risk assessment continues to be structured around a binary distinction between primary and secondary prevention. Primary prevention focuses on measures taken before a first cardiovascular event, while secondary prevention refers to actions taken after an event such as a heart attack or stroke has already occurred.

The Saudi Heart Association’s publication points to subclinical atherosclerosis assessment as a way to improve risk re-stratification, particularly for individuals who may not be accurately classified by traditional risk scores alone. By identifying early signs of atherosclerosis before symptoms or major events occur, healthcare professionals may be better positioned to tailor prevention strategies and intervene earlier.

“The most important step we can take to reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease is to help more people understand their risk. When people know their risk, they are better enabled to take action to address it,” said Dr. Ricardo Salazar, Head of Medical, Consumer Health division of Bayer. “As we highlighted in previous studies, a more modern, personalized approach to assessing cardiovascular disease risk is not simply a binary consideration. We are thrilled to see the Saudi Heart Association’s endorsement of systematic screening for subclinical atherosclerosis as a means to enhance risk stratification and primary prevention strategies.”

Cardiovascular disease remains a major public health challenge globally and is the leading cause of mortality in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Heart Association noted that atherosclerosis is the main underlying cause of cardiovascular disease and that patients in Saudi Arabia experience cardiovascular events nearly a decade earlier than their Western counterparts.

“Atherosclerosis is the leading underlying cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which remains the primary cause of mortality in Saudi Arabia. Saudi patients experience CVD events nearly a decade earlier than their Western counterparts. Given the limitations of traditional risk assessment tools, there is a growing need to detect subclinical atherosclerosis to refine risk stratification and improve primary prevention strategies, particularly in younger and asymptomatic individuals,” said Prof. Dr. Waleed Al Habeeb, President of the Saudi Heart Association.

The Saudi Heart Association’s research supports the use of validated, non-invasive imaging tools to assess subclinical atherosclerosis. These include coronary artery calcium scoring, coronary computed tomography angiography, carotid ultrasound and ankle-brachial index assessment. The recommendations aim to help integrate evidence-based cardiovascular risk evaluation into routine clinical practice, giving healthcare providers additional tools to personalize prevention and improve patient outcomes.

Bayer and the Saudi Heart Association signed a partnership in 2024 to strengthen cooperation in cardiac care in Saudi Arabia, in alignment with Vision 2030. The partnership focuses on early detection of at-risk patients who may present with a combination of modifiable and non-modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.

Modifiable risk factors include hypertension, smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity and high cholesterol. Non-modifiable factors include age, family history, gender and genetic predisposition. The collaboration also prioritizes evidence-based early risk management, implementation of local clinical guidelines and the alignment of resources to support better patient outcomes.

“Bayer is committed to advancing cardiovascular health through collaboration with healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers worldwide,” said Gasser Yousry, Commercial Lead KSA, Consumer Health division of Bayer. “We believe that through collective efforts and the adoption of cutting-edge screening technologies, we can make significant strides in preventing cardiovascular incidents and enhancing the quality of life for millions.”

Bayer’s work in cardiovascular health reflects its wider mission in healthcare and nutrition. The company’s Consumer Health division continues to collaborate with medical societies and healthcare stakeholders to support earlier risk recognition, prevention-focused care and improved understanding of cardiovascular disease progression.

Bayer is a global life sciences company with core competencies in healthcare and nutrition. Under its mission “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company develops products and services designed to help address major challenges linked to population growth, aging and sustainable development. In fiscal 2025, Bayer employed around 88,000 people and recorded sales of €45.6 billion, with research and development expenses of €5.8 billion.

About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2025, the Group employed around 88,000 people and had sales of 45.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 5.8 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
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Media Contact:

Jeffrey Donald
Comms Lead – R&D / Regulatory Medical Safety & Compliance
jeffrey.donald@bayer.com

SOURCE: Bayer