Simple Neck Scan Could Revolutionise Heart Health Checks
A straightforward ultrasound scan of the neck could soon become a vital tool for GPs to identify men at increased risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. British researchers from University College London (UCL) have discovered that the flexibility of arteries in the neck is a powerful indicator of future cardiovascular problems.
How the Scan Works and What It Reveals
The procedure is remarkably similar to the ultrasounds offered during pregnancy. A small, handheld device is moved gently over the neck to examine the carotid arteries, the major blood vessels running up either side of the neck that supply blood to the brain, face, and neck. The results reveal how much these arteries stretch and expand with each heartbeat. While these arteries are typically elastic, they can stiffen with age and certain diseases, leading to high blood pressure and increasing the strain on the heart.
The groundbreaking study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, involved 1,631 men aged between 71 and 92. It found that the quarter of men with the least flexible arteries were 2.5 times more likely to develop heart failure compared to those with the most flexible arteries. Furthermore, the research indicated that for every 0.16 millimetre increase in the thickness of the men's vessel walls, the risk of a heart attack rose by approximately 29%.
A Potential Early Warning System for GPs
Dr Atinuke Akinmolayan, who led the research from UCL and is now a GP, highlighted the potential of this discovery. "The carotid ultrasound is a safe, cheap and painless investigation, and our findings suggest it may be able to provide an early warning sign for heart failure," she said. She suggested that, where possible and deemed necessary, GPs could consider offering this scan to patients over the age of 60.
Currently, this type of scan is typically only offered to individuals who have already suffered a stroke or are known to be at high risk. The scan can identify a dangerous build-up of fatty material, which can either break off and travel to the brain causing a stroke, or narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow. Experts explain that when the carotid arteries become less flexible, they cannot expand properly to let blood through efficiently, which raises blood pressure and can, over time, lead to heart failure.
The research was part-funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The BHF estimates that around 920,000 people in the UK are living with heart failure. Professor Bryan Williams, chief scientific and medical officer at the BHF, commented on the findings, stating, "The research suggests that stiffening of arteries is associated with increased risk of heart failure, most likely due to the heart having to work harder against the resistance caused by these stiffer arteries."
While the results are promising, Dr Akinmolayan noted that more research is needed, particularly to see if the same method is effective for predicting heart risk in women.
