Scientists at the University of East Anglia (UEA) have created a tool that estimates the functional age of the human heart. This tool uses MRI scans to measure how a person’s heart is ageing. It could help spot early signs of heart disease, especially in people at high risk.
The Study: Analyzing Heart Health Across Three Countries
This tool came from a study published in the European Heart Journal. The research involved heart scans from 557 people in the UK, Spain, and Singapore. Of those, 336 had risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
UEA researchers measured key aspects of heart function, like chamber size and pumping efficiency. These features show how well the heart is working and how it might be ageing.
Using these measures, the scientists created a formula to estimate the “functional age” of a heart. On average, people with risk factors had hearts that were 4.6 years older than their actual age. For those with obesity, the effects were even greater. Their hearts were much older than their true age.
Accelerated Heart Ageing: A Wake-Up Call for At-Risk People
Dr. Pankaj Garg, the lead cardiologist of the study, explained the importance of these results. “Some hearts are ageing faster by decades,” he said. “Knowing this could be a wake-up call for patients.”
For people with risk factors for heart disease, this information could help them take action before serious problems, like heart attacks or strokes, occur.
Doctors could use this tool to track their patients’ heart health. If someone’s heart is ageing faster than their actual age, doctors can suggest lifestyle changes. These changes might include improving diet, getting more exercise, or taking medications. Early detection could lead to better treatments, reducing the chances of serious heart problems later.
How the Tool Works: Measuring Heart Function
The UEA team’s tool uses MRI scans to measure heart size, pumping ability, and other important factors. These measurements help estimate the functional age of the heart. A heart’s functional age shows how well it works, not just how old a person is.
The formula developed by the scientists uses these factors to give a more accurate picture of a person’s heart health. It can highlight problems that might not show up in a regular age comparison.
By measuring heart function, the tool goes beyond looking at just a person’s chronological age. It takes into account important health factors, like lifestyle and conditions such as obesity or high blood pressure. This provides a fuller understanding of heart health.
Lifestyle Changes Can Slow Heart Ageing
The UEA researchers believe this tool can help guide lifestyle changes. Dr. Garg noted that diet and exercise play a big role in slowing heart ageing. “Knowing your heart’s true age could inspire positive changes,” he said.
If a patient’s heart is ageing too fast, doctors may suggest ways to improve health. A better diet, more physical activity, and stress management can make a big difference. People with conditions like obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure might benefit from personalized treatment plans. These changes can help slow heart ageing and lower the risk of heart disease.
Limitations and the Path Forward
Although the tool is promising, there are some limitations. The study does not track how long someone has had a particular health condition. This means it’s hard to know the full effect of long-term illnesses on heart health.
Another issue is survivor bias. Most of the participants were older adults who had lived long enough to join the study. This means the results may not be fully accurate for younger people who develop heart disease early.
The study also had a small sample size. With only 557 participants, it’s possible that the results are not completely representative of the global population. Researchers at UEA hope to expand the study in the future. Larger studies will help improve the tool and make it more accurate.
Even with these limitations, Dr. Garg is hopeful. “It’s about giving people a fighting chance against heart disease,” he said. “The more we understand about how our hearts work, the better we can prevent serious health problems.”
A Step Forward in Cardiovascular Care
This new heart functional age tool is a key advancement in the fight against cardiovascular disease. It could change how we monitor heart health and help doctors make better treatment decisions. With continued research and improvements, the tool could help people live longer and healthier lives.