'Simple' MRI test can identify heart disease risk 10 years early - study

An MRI scan can spot people at risk of heart disease a decade before a potential stroke or heart attack, according to a study.

University of Dundee researchers collected data from 5,015 volunteers between 2008 and 2013. At the time, none had a history of heart disease or were at immediate risk.

However, 10 years on, they found that an increased (but normal) mass of the heart's left ventricle was a "clear indicator" of the risk of future cardiovascular disease.

The risk was the same even if the organ was functioning as expected at the time of the tests.

The study also found men and women had different risk factors: A larger left ventricle was linked with diastolic blood pressure in men, but in women, it was linked with cholesterol.

Ventricles are the lower two chambers of the heart - blood is pumped through them, aided by four valves.

Professor Jill Belch, who led the study, said a "simple" MRI scan could be used to identify people at risk years before a potential heart attack or stroke.

"The ability to provide pre-emptive treatment for patients at a stage where their heart is working perfectly well could save vast numbers of lives," she said.

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Prof Belch added: "The volunteers who took part in this study had no immediate risk of heart disease.

"This is exciting as it allows us to pick up people, and treat them, before any organ damage has occurred."

Lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, bad diet and lack of exercise can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease - but some people are also genetically more susceptible.

The study appears in the journal Radiology.

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