MORE than one in four apparently healthy adults could be living with an undiagnosed heart problem, scientists have warned.
Heart valve disease—when one or more flaps that direct blood flow don’t work—puts extra pressure on the heart and can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Now research has revealed for the first time the number of Brits who unknowingly have the disease.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) carried out heart scans on almost 4,500 people over the age of 60 who were apparently healthy and had no symptoms.
It found that more than a quarter – 28 percent – had previously undetected heart valve disease.
Study author Vassilios Vassiliou, clinical professor of cardiac medicine at UEA Norwich Medical College, said: “This study focused on understanding how widespread heart valve problems of any severity are among healthy, symptom-free adults without no known heart disease.
“We examined almost 4,500 individuals aged 60 and over from three regions of the UK: Norfolk, West Midlands and Aberdeen, using echocardiography, which is an ultrasound of the heart.
“Our findings showed that more than 28 percent of these adults had some form of heart valve disease, although, reassuringly, it was only mild in most cases.
“The data also indicated that age was the main factor associated with these heart valve problems, meaning that the older a person is, the greater the chance of having a significant valve problem.”
Your blood flows around your heart and the rest of your body one directionas a one-way traffic system.
Your four heart valves – pulmonary, tricuspid, aortic and mitral – open and close like small doors with each heartbeat and control the direction of blood flow, preventing it from flowing backwards.
Heart valve disease usually involves one or more valves that do not open fully or close properly.
This can block or restrict blood flow or cause blood to leak back to the heart instead of flowing out to the body.
Co-lead author Prof Michael Frenneau, from Royal Brompton Hospital, part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and Imperial College London, said: “These problems can put extra pressure on the heart and make it work harder.
“Over time, it can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and other heart diseases.”
Symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, feeling weak or dizzy, swollen ankles and feet, feeling more tired than usual, and palpitations in the chest or neck.
The researchers examined 4,237 asymptomatic patients over the age of 60 who were invited through their general practitioner to participate in the study between 2006 and 2017.
They were evaluated with a health questionnaire, clinical examination and transthoracic echocardiography, which is an ultrasound of the heart.
Heart valve disease was diagnosed in 28.2 percent of patients.
It found that one in 42 patients over the age of 60 had moderate to severe disease – a number that increased to one in 15 patients aged 75 and over.
Professor Vassiliou said: “The diagnosis of heart valve disease relies primarily on transthoracic echocardiography, however this is normally only carried out if symptoms are reported or if an unusual murmur is heard during a physical examination.
“This can be challenging in the elderly because mild symptoms can be masked by reduced physical activity and difficulty with mobility.
“This study reveals that many older people have heart valve problems, even if they do not have any symptoms, and we suggest that if people develop any new symptoms or signs that could indicate heart disease, they discuss the matter with their doctor.
“As our population ages, this information can help healthcare providers understand the scale of valve disease and streamline routine care methods and screening programs to ensure we can handle demand in the future.
“That way, they can better identify and help people at risk before problems become serious.”
More studies are needed to see how screening can be used to detect and help control the disease, says the article published in he. European Heart Journal observed.
James Leiper, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, described the findings as important and called for research to find ways to identify more people with valvular heart disease.
The 7 lifestyle tips to improve heart health
MAKING a few simple adjustments to your daily habits can make a difference to your heart health.
- Snack with nuts – ‘Walnuts are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation in the arteries and protect the heart,’ explains British Dietetic Association spokesperson Gaynor Bussell.
- Be a social butterfly – Loneliness is linked to hardening of the arteries, which leads to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease, says social psychologist John Cacioppo of the University of Chicago.
- Reduce drinking – Drinking too much alcohol can cause abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, damage to the heart muscle and other diseases such as stroke, liver problems and some types of cancer.
- Healthy food preparation – Bake, grill, steam, boil or blanch foods instead of frying and season with spices and herbs instead of salt
- Breathe – Try meditation and breathing exercises, as research has found that people with heart disease who practice Transcendental Meditation for just 15 minutes a day can halve their risk of heart attack and stroke.
- A pinch of flaxseed – ‘Flaxseed, also known as linseed, are small seeds rich in omega-3 fatty acids. So, like nuts, they can help a little with reducing cholesterol”, explains Gaynor Bussell.
- Lose some weight – ‘Experts have found evidence that losing just 5-10% of your body weight if you are overweight or obese improves your metabolic profile. This means that if you have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol, these levels drop”, explains Gaynor Bussell.
Source: Age UK
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