New Delhi, May 3
Unhealthy lifestyles are dramatically accelerating the ageing of the heart, contributing to a global rise in several cardiovascular diseases, finds a study, led by Indian-origin researchers in the UK.
Using a new Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging technique, also known as cardiovascular MRI scan, researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) uncovered the "true age" of a heart.
The MRI scan revealed how unhealthy lifestyles can dramatically accelerate the heart’s functional age.
While among healthy people, the heart’s age was found to be similar to the chronological age, for patients with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and atrial fibrillation, the functional heart age was significantly higher.
“For example, a 50-year-old with high blood pressure might have a heart that works like it’s 55,†said lead researcher Dr Pankaj Garg, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School and a consultant cardiologist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
“People with health issues like diabetes or obesity often have hearts that are ageing faster than they should - sometimes by decades. So, this could help doctors step in early to stop heart disease in its tracks,†he added.
The findings could transform how heart disease is diagnosed -- offering a lifeline to millions by catching problems before they become deadly, said the researchers who called their cutting-edge technique a “game changer for keeping hearts healthier, longerâ€.
“It could also be the wake-up call that people need to take better care of themselves - whether that’s eating healthier, exercising more, or following their doctor’s advice. It’s about giving people a fighting chance against heart disease," Garg said.
The team collaborated with hospitals in the UK, Spain, and Singapore and studied MRI scans from 557 people, of which 191 were healthy individuals, while 366 had conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity.
Using advanced imaging, they measured things like the size and strength of the heart’s chambers. Then, they built a formula to calculate the heart’s ‘functional age’ and checked it against healthy hearts to make sure it was accurate.
Heart disease is one of the world’s biggest killers. The new MRI method gives doctors a powerful tool to look inside the heart like never before and spot trouble early - before symptoms even start, said the team.
The research has been accepted for publication in the European Heart Journal Open.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is an eye-opener for all of us! In India, we see so many young people with heart issues these days. The study perfectly explains why - our sedentary lifestyles and love for fried snacks are literally ageing our hearts faster 😟 Time to switch to healthier habits!
Great research by Indian-origin scientists! But I wish such advanced MRI techniques were more accessible in India. Most government hospitals don't have these facilities. Prevention is important, but we also need better diagnostic tools for the common man.
Our grandparents lived till 80+ without all these tests. Maybe instead of expensive scans, we should focus more on traditional Indian diets and yoga? Just saying... 🧘â€â™‚ï¸
The corporate culture in Indian cities is killing us! Long hours, stress, junk food, no exercise - no wonder heart diseases are rising. Companies should make employee wellness programs mandatory. Health is wealth after all 💖
While the research is impressive, I'm concerned about the cost. In India, even basic healthcare is unaffordable for many. What's the use of such advanced techniques if only the rich can access them? We need universal healthcare first.
As someone with family history of diabetes, this scares me! But it's also motivating - starting my morning walks today itself. Small changes can make big differences. Thanks for sharing this important research! ðŸ™
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