Each year in France, myocardial infarction strikes an average of 120,000 people, often without warning. The cause: atherosclerosis, a silent clogging of the arteries which can lead to total obstruction of the flow of oxygen to the heart. If early diagnosis is the key to avoiding the worst, access to imaging exams remains complex. This is where a simple test comes into play, proposing to transform the way we monitor our heart health.
The SCAPIS study: an unprecedented database
Published in the Journal of the American Heart Associationthis innovation is based on the Swedish CardioPulmonary BioImage Study (SCAPIS). Researchers at the University of Gothenburg analyzed data from 30,000 individuals (50-64 years old) to create an algorithm capable of predicting artery clogging.
Until now, to visualize the accumulation of fatty plaques in the coronary arteries, the use of a coronary CT scan was essential. This study changes the situation by proving that a non-invasive self-assessment tool can identify subjects at risk with almost the same effectiveness as traditional clinical examinations (blood pressure measurements and blood tests in the office).
How does this at-home test work?
The tool is based on a quick questionnaire integrating 14 key variables. By combining biological, morphological and behavioral factors, it draws up a precise risk profile in less than five minutes. Among the criteria retained:
- Morphological profile: Age, gender, waist circumference and body mass index (BMI);
- Hygiene of life: Smoking habits (current or past);
- Health indicators: Use of treatments for cholesterol or hypertension, and presence of diabetes.
According to Professor Göran Bergström, who led the study, this test can detect around 65% of people at the highest risk. It thus offers a “pre-screening” solution to efficiently direct patients towards imaging examinations only when necessary, thus avoiding unnecessary costs and procedures for low-risk profiles.
Prevention rather than cure and implementing the right treatments
Identifying atherosclerosis at this early stage allows intervention before the fatty deposits break off to form a clot, the main cause of 120,000 annual heart attacks in France.
Treatment then consists of stabilizing these plaques through a healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, physical activity) and, if necessary, prescribing statins or anticoagulants.
In the most advanced cases, preventive angioplasty may be considered to restore optimal blood flow.
Warning signs: the symptoms that should alert you
Even though the disease is often silent, certain signs can precede the accident by several weeks.
Dr. Gérald Kierzek reminds us of the importance of not ignoring certain signs. “Including persistent fatigue, unusual shortness of breath, chest pain (pressure or burning radiating towards the arm or jaw), or even palpitations and cold sweats.” he lists.
In women, digestive problems (nausea, heartburn) or unexplained anxiety are also common. In the event of sudden and intense pain lasting more than 15 minutes, the emergency is absolute: immediately call 15 or 112.