Nearly half of adults over the age of 40 suffer from atherosclerosis without knowing it, according to a study by the University of Copenhagen.
- A Danish study reveals that almost half of people over 40 suffer from atherosclerosis.
- This pathology, which often remains asymptomatic, increases the risk of heart problems.
- Researchers advocate early detection of cardiovascular diseases.
We all carry atherosclerotic plaques (lipid deposits on the walls of the arteries) but their excess can lead to damage to the artery walls and obstruction of blood vessels. This pathology, which can lead to serious consequences, is called atherosclerosis. A Danish study suggests that it can develop quite early and remain latent for several years. Researchers believe that almost half of those over 40 suffer from this disease, without developing symptoms.
46% of adults suffer from atherosclerosis while being asymptomatic
The research team followed 9,533 people over the age of 40, asymptomatic, and who had not been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. The volunteers underwent an angiogram and other tests. Angiography revealed that 46% of them had previously undetected coronary atherosclerosis. For 36%, the disease was non-obstructive but was for the remaining 10%.
During a 3.5-year follow-up, 193 people died and 71 had a myocardial infarction. Analyzes reveal that atherosclerosis increases the risk of heart problems, especially if individuals are unaware of their condition.
“In asymptomatic people, obstructive coronary atherosclerosis is associated with a more than 8 times higher risk of myocardial infarction”specify the scientists in their article published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine in March 2023.
Heart health: screening and early detection are necessary
“It can develop many years before an individual shows symptoms”warns Dr. Klaus Fuglsang Kofoed, lead author of the study, in an interview with Medical News Today. “To prevent heart attacks, it is therefore very important to understand what characteristics define an asymptomatic individual at high risk for clinically manifested diseases”he adds.
He and his team emphasize the need for efforts to improve heart disease screening. For them, early detection of cardiovascular diseases is essential to fight against these pathologies, just as for cancer.
