Research published in the European Heart Journal Cardiovascular Imaging reveals that one in four healthy individuals aged 60 and over in the UK have undiagnosed heart valve disease. This condition occurs when one or more heart valves function improperly, either by not opening fully or not closing correctly. Experts warn that heart valve disease can strain the heart and increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiac issues.
Researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) discovered that one in four asymptomatic, otherwise healthy adults unknowingly had the disease.
The study investigated the prevalence of heart valve issues in healthy, asymptomatic adults without known heart disease. Researchers used echocardiography to examine 4,500 individuals aged 60 and older from Norfolk, West Midlands, and Aberdeen in the UK. Findings revealed that over 28% had some form of heart valve disease, mostly mild. The data also indicated that age was the primary factor associated with these issues, with older individuals having a higher likelihood of significant valve problems.
The co-lead author Prof Michael Frenneaux, of the Royal Brompton hospital in London, said the hearts of those people with undetected disease were likely to be put under more pressure as a result. “Over time, it can increase the risk of having a heart attack, stroke and other heart conditions,” he added.
Symptoms can include feeling breathless, chest pain, feeling weak or dizzy, swollen ankles and feet, feeling more tired than usual and chest or neck palpitations.
Over more than a decade, 4,327 asymptomatic patients aged 60 and over participated in a British Heart Foundation (BHF) funded study after being invited through their general practices. They underwent a health questionnaire, clinical examination, and transthoracic echocardiography. Heart valve disease was diagnosed in 28.2% of participants. This study highlights that many older adults have heart valve issues without symptoms. It is recommended that individuals experiencing new symptoms or signs of heart disease consult their doctor.
In January, the BHF reported a troubling rise in premature deaths from heart and circulatory diseases in England. Their findings reveal that more people are dying before the age of 75 from conditions like heart attacks, coronary heart disease, and stroke than in the past decade.
In 2022, over 39,000 people in England died prematurely due to cardiovascular diseases, averaging about 750 deaths per week. This marks the highest annual total since 2008, highlighting a concerning trend of increasing premature mortality.
The report points out a significant departure from previous years, during which advancements in medicine and science had led to a steady decline in premature deaths before 2012. However, this positive trend has now reversed, with data showing a consecutive increase in premature death rates from cardiovascular diseases over the past three years. This reversal is the first of its kind in nearly sixty years, indicating a setback in efforts to combat these deadly conditions.
The analysis by the British Heart Foundation underscores the urgent need for renewed efforts and strategies to address the factors contributing to this worrying rise in premature deaths from cardiovascular diseases.
