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News Topical, Digital Desk : Early Warning Signs Of Weak Heart: Early signs of heart disease are often overlooked because they mimic fatigue or normal aging. But a new study suggests that a simple neck scan can detect early risk of heart failure in men. This test is called a carotid ultrasound, which uses the same technology as ultrasounds used during pregnancy. Researchers say doctors may recommend this test for men over 60.
what the experts say
Dr. Atinuke Akinmolayan (UCL), lead researcher on the study, says, "Carotid ultrasound is a safe, inexpensive, and completely painless test. Our results show that it can provide early signs of heart failure." She added that if a patient's ultrasound report reveals risk factors, they can discuss lifestyle changes with their doctor early, which could reduce the risk of heart failure in the future. The test takes between 15 and 30 minutes. It involves moving a small, handheld device around the neck to assess the elasticity of the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain, face, and neck.
Heart attack cases on the rise
According to the British Heart Foundation, around 920,000 people in the UK are living with heart failure. The body's large arteries are normally flexible, but age and certain diseases can cause them to stiffen. This increases blood pressure, straining the heart, and weakening the heart. This also increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. The UCL-led study included 1,631 men (aged 71 to 92). Data was taken from the British Regional Heart Study, which began in the 1970s. The results found that men with the least flexible carotid arteries had a 2.5 times higher risk of heart failure.
What was the conclusion
The conclusion of this entire study was that men whose carotid arteries were thicker had a significantly higher risk of heart attack. For every 0.16 mm increase in thickness, the risk of heart attack increases by approximately 29 percent. Professor Brian Williams, Chief Medical Officer of the BHF, said, "This is a clear indication that when carotid arteries become stiff, the heart has to work harder to pump blood. This increases the risk of heart failure. Any such change should be taken seriously."
Another UCL study suggests that a single 10-minute scan could identify the cause of difficult-to-control blood pressure in millions of patients. This scan targets patients whose adrenal glands produce excess levels of the hormone aldosterone, which disrupts salt levels in the body and causes blood pressure to rise significantly. This problem affects one in four people with high blood pressure.
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