New research suggests that accurately determining the heart’s “true” age may be crucial for early intervention in cardiac problems. Tracking and evaluating cardiac health are vital for detecting heart issues early on and finding effective interventions. One study indicates that cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be helpful in assessing the heart’s functional age in comparison to its biological age. The study revealed that unhealthy lifestyles and certain chronic conditions, such as obesity and atrial fibrillation (AFib), can accelerate the aging of the heart. These findings could aid in early intervention before major heart concerns arise. Evaluating the heart’s performance and identifying any changes can assist both doctors and individuals in making informed decisions about heart health. A recent study investigated a method to calculate the functional age of individuals’ hearts in relation to their biological age using cardiac MRI. The research showed that certain health conditions and leading an unhealthy lifestyle can increase the heart’s functional age. People with specific conditions may experience unique heart changes that differ from normal aging. The study was published in the European Heart Journal Open. Researchers aimed to use cardiac MRI to determine the age of the heart in a retrospective observational study. They explored aging differences in healthy versus unhealthy hearts and noted that modifiable risk factors like high blood pressure can accelerate heart aging. The study compared a healthy reference group to a testing group with comorbidities such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity. Distinct differences in heart structure and function were observed between the healthy and unhealthy groups. The model developed by the researchers considered various heart components and factors related to functional age, such as stroke volume and left atrial function. Unhealthy participants had heart ages higher than their chronological age, with obesity being linked to accelerated heart aging. Obesity, in particular, was associated with significantly increased functional heart age.
For individuals with atrial fibrillation, the functional age of their heart was found to be higher compared to that of healthy individuals. This elevated functional heart age was also observed in individuals with other comorbidities across certain age groups. Among participants aged between 30 and 69, those with high blood pressure exhibited an increased functional heart age in comparison to age-matched healthy participants. Similarly, diabetes was associated with a higher functional heart age in participants aged between 30 and 69, with the most significant increase noted in the 40 to 49 age group. Interestingly, in the 70 to 85 age group, participants with diabetes and high blood pressure had lower functional heart ages than healthy peers of the same age.
Dr. Pankaj Garg, Associate Professor in Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of East Anglia in the UK, shared key findings from the study. He explained the development of a formula using heart MRI scans to determine the apparent age of the heart, emphasizing that individuals with certain conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, irregular heartbeat, or obesity may have hearts that appear significantly older than their actual age.
While this research marks progress in cardiac health monitoring, there are limitations to consider. The study relied on estimations to determine heart age, and the short duration of the study poses a risk of survivor bias, potentially underestimating the impact of comorbidities on older individuals. Additionally, the study did not assess the duration of participants’ comorbidities, introducing variability among those with health conditions. Selection bias and potential limitations in the age calculation model were also acknowledged, indicating a need for further refinement.
Cardiologist Dr. Patrick Kee highlighted limitations of the study, including the absence of long-term data analysis and additional measurements that could enhance understanding. Further studies, particularly examining lifestyle modifications and their influence on heart health, are recommended for a comprehensive evaluation of heart age trajectory and the impact of medical conditions.
The validation of the age calculation model on a larger scale and exploration of lifestyle interventions to potentially alter heart age trajectory are crucial for clinical application, as reiterated by Dr. Kee. Early detection facilitated by such tests and the promotion of heart-healthy behaviors may play a significant role in improving cardiovascular outcomes.
A board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, who was not involved in the study, highlighted the importance of determining the functional age of the heart as a valuable preventive measure.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen emphasized that assessing a person’s ‘functional heart age’ through imaging or other biomarkers could motivate individuals to improve their lifestyles, identify those at risk for future clinical events, and even evaluate responses to clinical treatments. Using cardiac MRI is appealing due to its noninvasive nature, as it requires no cuts or needles and only a few minutes to check the heart age. This efficient method can help detect heart issues early and prevent more serious problems like heart failure.
Furthermore, enhancing communication between healthcare providers and individuals at risk for heart problems can lead to better understanding and encourage necessary lifestyle changes. By comparing a patient’s ‘functioning heart age’ with their ‘chronological age,’ clinicians can effectively communicate cardiovascular risk and motivate patients to adopt preventive strategies such as weight management, blood pressure control, and diabetes management. Tracking changes over time enables healthcare professionals to adjust treatment plans proactively before irreversible heart damage occurs.
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