Revolutionary "Functional Heart Age" Measurement Promises Better Heart Health Insights
Researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) have developed an innovative method to determine a person’s “functional heart age” using advanced MRI scans, potentially transforming the approach to heart disease prevention. Recent findings, described as a significant breakthrough, were published in the European Heart Journal.
Understanding heart health by assessing its functional age relative to chronological age could enhance awareness of cardiovascular risks. The study revealed that while healthy participants’ functional heart age aligned with their actual age, individuals with conditions like diabetes and hypertension exhibited significantly older functional heart ages. For instance, a 50-year-old with high blood pressure may have a heart that functions as if it were 55.
Lead researcher Dr. Pankaj Garg explained that this advancement allows doctors to detect early signs of heart disease, providing an opportunity for timely intervention. The researchers measured the amount of blood left in the heart’s left atrium after contractions, validating their method on 366 patients with known cardiac risks.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen highlighted the need for a universally accepted definition of heart age, noting the study is a promising step towards using these assessments for clinical prognostics. Though there is no standardized way to gauge heart age yet, lifestyle factors such as obesity, high LDL cholesterol, and inactivity contribute to premature heart aging.
To combat this, health experts recommend regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in whole foods, avoiding smoking, and managing stress. Making these changes can potentially lower heart age, promote cardiovascular health, and improve overall well-being.
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