Scientists are developing a quick and easy way to test heart health when coronary artery disease is suspected. It is a question of climbing very quickly a certain number of steps in a given time.
Prevent heart disease
The risk factors responsible for alterations in this organ are varied: diabetes, cholesterol, genetics, risky behaviors (tobacco, alcohol, poor lifestyle), etc. Many examinations exist to check the proper functioning of the arteries and the cardiac system, such as MRI, Doppler ultrasound, electrocardiogram or even angiography. At the University of La Coruña in Spain, researchers are currently working on a new way to assess how well the heart is functioning, with a test accessible to everyone. It is a matter of verifying that it is in good condition, by climbing four flights of stairs in less than a minute. Passing this test would indicate good heart health, as Dr. Jesùs Peteiro, the lead author of the study, says: “ This test is an easy way to check the health of your heart. “. The time taken for the person to perform this maneuver would give relevant indications on the performance and results of the stress tests. Indeed, ” If it takes you longer than a minute and a half, your condition is not optimal and it would be a good idea to see a doctor.. ”
The goal of this test
This study included 165 patients with symptoms, including chest pain or shortness of breath on exertion, characteristic signs of already known or suspected coronary artery disease. They passed stress tests, walking and running on a treadmill, with an increasing effort. Exercise capacity was measured in metabolic equivalents (METs), comprising the intensity of physical activity and energy expenditure. After a given rest time (15 to 20 minutes), the participants had to climb four flights of stairs, the equivalent of 60 steps, at a rapid pace, without interruption and without running, the time of which was recorded. . Patients who passed the test in less than a minute (40 to 45 seconds) obtained between 9 and 10 METs and those who took more than 1.5 minutes less than 8 METs. The researchers then compared these results with the recordings of the treadmill tests. They found that more than half, or 58% of patients who completed the staircase exercise in 1.5 minutes or more had abnormal heart function compared to 32% of people who ” succeeded »The steps test. Although further studies need to be conducted to confirm these results, the authors see potential in this analysis, including “ The goal was to find a simple and inexpensive method to assess heart health. It can help doctors triage patients for further examinations “. The stakes are high, because cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, according to the WHO.
