A new study by the Institute of Biomedical Engineering has discovered that studying leg muscle blood flow may help detect cardiovascular disease early. This method was found to be more effective than existing tests and can potentially result in earlier treatments. The earlier doctors can predict heart failure in a patient, the better a patient’s chances of positive outcomes. According to Professor Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng, “Our study shines a light on an important gap in how we detect HFpEF before the heart becomes irreversibly damaged”. Let’s learn more about this significant study below.
A New Way To Predict Heart Failure
Thanks to advances in medical technology, we can now get clearer images of our internal workings than ever before. Imaging technologies allow us to peer inside the body of a patient, revealing various heart-specific issues, such as scarring of the lung tissue. Many of these tests, however, miss the early signs of issues that occur in other parts of the body first. Previous studies revealed that poor leg muscle blood flow regulation indicated that a similar issue would subsequently arise with the heart. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) affects millions of people across the world. It progresses unnoticed until it is often diagnosed at a late stage, making it difficult to treat.
A More Accessible Warning Sign
According to Cheng, “Our work suggests that vascular changes in leg muscle could serve as an earlier, more accessible warning sign of the disease.” The team used a specific type of MRI scan to observe how blood vessels react to stress. They focused on changes in blood flow in the heart and leg muscles of models with diabetes-induced HFpEF. The researchers discovered that blood flow regulation issues first appeared in the leg muscles months before they were observed in the heart. This means that the leg muscle area would be a far more effective place to look for HFpEF than the heart in the early stages.
A Big Difference in Diagnosis
Sadi Loai, the lead researcher of the study, added, “Our results show that by looking at blood flow in the legs, we could detect problems much sooner than we would by focusing only on the heart. This could make a big difference in how we diagnose and treat this condition.” Next, the researchers want to test human patients with HFpEF risk factors to determine if their MRI platform can really identify disease earlier than other existing methods. When it comes to looking to the future, Cheng says that their ultimate goal is, not only to open a door to early diagnosis when this disease may be treatable, but also to offer a new direction in treating a condition that is growing in prevalence and has become the most common form of heart failure.”
Potential Impact on Future Treatments
This discovery has the potential to transform how doctors monitor and treat heart health. If further research confirms the efficacy of this technology in human patients, leg muscle blood flow scans could become a normal part of cardiovascular screenings, particularly for high-risk individuals. Early diagnosis can additionally allow for lifestyle modifications, medication, or other interventions before the heart is irreversibly damaged. Furthermore, this could help to minimize expenses by preventing severe cases of heart failure, which require more intense therapies.
The Bottom Line On How We Predict Hear Failure
The Institute of Biomedical Engineering’s study provides new hope for the early identification of heart failure. Doctors may be able to predict heart failure far sooner by analyzing blood flow in leg muscles. This significantly improves patients’ chances of receiving early treatment and achieving better health outcomes. More research is still needed to determine whether this approach is beneficial in human patients. If effective, it has the potential to transform the way heart disease is diagnosed and managed around the world. Early detection can save lives and avoid costly treatments later. This development could mean a healthier future for millions of people at risk of heart failure.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
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