A new study has found that middle-aged people with subclinical heart disease face a higher risk of a heart attack. Subclinical heart disease refers to the early thickening or hardening of the heart arteries, which can worsen over time and cause chest pain or a heart attack. This condition affects many individuals but goes unnoticed as it does not display any symptoms.
What is Subclinical Heart Disease?
Subclinical heart disease is a condition that affects the arteries in the heart. It is characterized by an early thickening or hardening of the heart arteries, which leads to plaque buildup. If left untreated, this plaque buildup can cause chest pain or even lead to a heart attack.
Who is at Risk of Subclinical Heart Disease?
Middle-aged people are at higher risk of developing subclinical heart disease. It is estimated that many individuals have subclinical heart disease changes, yet will never have any clinical heart disease.
The Importance of Early Detection
Cholesterol builds up in the arteries before a blockage or narrowing of significance develops. Atherosclerosis, the buildup of cholesterol plaque in the walls of arteries, progresses beneath the surface for years, and people may be walking around with 69% blockages of all three major heart arteries with no clinical disease.
Computed tomography (CT) is a key tool available today that permits us to see beneath the surface and identify atherosclerosis in its subclinical phase. Researchers used computed tomography angiography to diagnose atherosclerosis in participants. This early detection can help prevent heart disease by making lifestyle changes such as following a healthy diet, regular exercise, and not smoking.
Prevention & Diagnosis
Having a healthy lifestyle is crucial, and if you have any risk factor for heart disease, getting regular health checks is necessary. Patients should ask their doctors whether imaging to detect subclinical disease is appropriate for them. NHS offers free health checks for people over 40 which can spot early signs of heart disease and stroke.
Hidden Heart Condition Increases the Risk of Heart Attack
Atherosclerosis is a hidden heart condition that can cause heart attacks and strokes. It occurs when fatty deposits build up in arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow through them. Many people with atherosclerosis have no symptoms, making it hard to diagnose until too late.
The risk of having a heart attack is up to eight times higher for people with atherosclerosis. Lifestyle changes such as following a healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking, and early detection can help prevent atherosclerosis from getting worse.
Half of World’s Adults Over 40 Might Have Hidden Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the major causes of death worldwide. A new study has found that people without known cardiovascular disease who have obstructive coronary atherosclerosis can increase their risk of a heart attack by 8 folds. Coronary artery disease is a common heart disease caused by the blocking of the coronary artery that supplies blood to the heart with plaque.
The study involved over 9,500 subjects over 40 years of age with no previous diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. 46% of the participants had previously undetected heart disease, with 36% having a nonobstructive illness, and 10% having an obstructive disease without any symptoms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, subclinical heart disease increases the risk of hidden heart conditions. Many individuals may have subclinical heart disease changes, yet will never have any clinical heart disease. Early detection can help prevent heart disease by making lifestyle changes and getting regular health checks. If experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
