A “simple” MRI scan can identify people at risk of heart disease a decade before they have a heart attack or stroke, scientists have said.
Researchers at the University of Dundee found that a larger than usual left ventricle was a “clear indicator” of future cardiovascular disease.
The left ventricle is the main pumping chamber of the heart, distributing oxygenated blood around the body.
While none of the 1,495 participants had an “immediate risk” of the disease when they were scanned between 2008 and 2015, some were later found to be at higher risk.
A larger than usual left ventricle was associated with higher risk of future cardiovascular events
GETTY IMAGES
Jill Belch, a professor of vascular medicine, who led the study, called it as a “very exciting and significant development”.
“We looked at thousands of health records and it became apparent that the mass of the left ventricle was a clear indicator of future risk of cardiovascular disease,” she said.
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She added: “We have clearly identified a very early marker of future cardiovascular disease which can be detected via a simple MRI scan.
“This is a widely available, easy-to-perform procedure that our study has proven to be able to identify people at risk of cardiovascular disease who may have no other identifiable risk factors, ten years before the event.
“The ability to provide pre-emptive treatment for patients at a stage where their heart is working perfectly well could save vast numbers of lives which are cruelly taken from us as a consequence of cardiovascular disease.”
The research, published in the journal Radiology, reported that female participants in the study with a higher mass in the left ventricle were 2.3 times more likely to experience a cardiovascular event, and men 3.2 times more likely.
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The findings have been welcomed by the charity Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS), which funded the study.
Jane-Claire Hudson, its chief executive, said: “Studies like this are vital in enhancing our understanding of heart and stroke conditions as well as possible ways to try and prevent their occurrence or reduce their impact on those currently affected.
“This research, combined with the work CHSS delivers across the country, can help us make a positive impact to people’s health in Scotland and ensure no life is half-lived.”
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