March 28, 2023 – New research suggests that many adults have already got latent heart disease before symptoms appear.
This implies that heart disease can occur earlier in life but remain hidden, in response to a study of greater than 9,000 people in Denmark, which was Annals of Internal Medicine.
Almost half showed signs of coronary heart disease or coronary arteriosclerosis.
“Obstructive coronary artery sclerosis is associated with a more than eightfold increased risk of heart attack,” HealthyLine reported.
The researchers said they found a high rate of subclinical obstructive coronary artery sclerosis. “Subclinical” means there are not any symptoms.
The CDC According to the study, the disease is attributable to plaque buildup within the arteries that offer blood to the guts. This plaque buildup could cause a heart attack.
The researchers told Healthline that the study shows the importance of monitoring health problems and detecting them early, as heart problems can occur years before the onset of disease.
In the study, participants were examined with computed tomography angiography (CTA) to diagnose obstructive coronary artery sclerosis, in response to Healthline. More than half (54%) didn’t have subclinical coronary artery sclerosis; 46% did, including 36% with non-obstructive disease and 10% with obstructive disease.
“My overall impression of this study is that it confirms what we already know. This process starts early and can manifest itself in many ways,” said Dr. Elizabeth Klodas, chief medical officer of One Step Foods, who was not involved within the study.
“But I would say this study is valuable. It makes absolute sense to start prevention early. Don't wait.”