Major Adverse Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events (MACCE)

What is Major Adverse Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events (MACCE)?

Major Adverse Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events (MACCE) is a composite of major adverse cardiovascular (MACE) and cerebrovascular (CACE) events, which are medical occurrences and conditions that have the potential to cause irreversible damage to the heart or brain. MACCE includes MACE such as myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting, hospitalization for unstable angina, and cardiac revascularization as well as CACE such as stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and hospitalization for a transient ischemic attack.

What are the Causes of MACCE?

The causes of MACCE vary and can be either related to lifestyle, or can be due to underlying medical conditions. Lifestyle-related causes:

Smoking
Physical inactivity
High-salt diet
Excess alcohol consumption

Underlying medical conditions:

Arteriosclerosis
High blood cholesterol
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Obesity

What are the Prevention and Treatment Options for MACCE?

The best way to prevent MACCE is by addressing the underlying medical conditions as well as lifestyle changes. Heart healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and not smoking can help to decrease the risk for MACCE. Treatment for MACCE involves medication and procedures depending on the underlying cause. Medications such as statins, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Procedures like angioplasty and stenting can be used to open blocked arteries. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying cause.