Take this news to heart: You could be suffering from a common condition that increases your risk of heart attack or stroke and you might not even know it.
More than a quarter of “healthy” adults over the age of 60 have undiagnosed heart valve disease. New Research According to a study from the University of East Anglia in the UK.
“Heart valve disease is when one or more of the heart valves stop working properly,” explained study co-lead author Michael Flenough, from Royal Brompton Hospital.
For example, valvular stenosis is when the valves don’t open completely, restricting blood flow through the heart, and valvular regurgitation is when the valves don’t close properly, so blood can flow in the wrong direction.
“These problems can put extra strain on the heart, making it work harder,” Freneau added. “Over time, this can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and other heart problems.”
Fleneau and his team tested 4,237 healthy, asymptomatic people living in the UK aged over 60. 28% had some form of heart valve disease, but most cases were mild.
“Age is the main factor associated with these heart valve problems, meaning the older you are, the more likely you are to have serious valve problems,” said co-first author Vassilios Vassiliou.
The findings were released Wednesday. European Heart Journal – Cardiovascular Imaging.
Approximately 2.5% of Americans have valvular heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
They can be detected by a cardiac ultrasound, but researchers say heart abnormalities will only be detected if a patient complains of symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or dizziness, or if a doctor hears an abnormal noise during a physical exam.
Vassiliou noted that milder symptoms in older people “may be masked by reduced physical activity and reduced motor function.”
He calls for further research into how to most effectively identify and manage the disease, which can potentially be treated with lifestyle changes, medications and valve repair or replacement surgery.
“This study shows that many older people have heart valve problems even if they don’t have any symptoms. We encourage people to consult their doctor if they develop any new symptoms or signs that suggest heart disease,” he said.
