Researchers at the University of Dundee made a breakthrough by analysing data from 5, 015 volunteers who had a history of cardiovascular disease, in the Tayside area collected between 2008 and 2013, a simple MRI scan, scientists are able to identify people at risk of heart disease 10 years before they have a heart attack or stroke. When the ream looked at the data a decade on, It became apparent that an increased mass of heart’s left ventricle was a “clear indicator” of a risk of future cardiovascular disease. This was the case even when the organs are functioning correctly at the time of assessment. The study further identified different risk factors in men and women, with a larger left ventricle 

(lower chambers of the heart that pumping blood to the rest of the body except lungs) in men being linked with diastolic blood pressure, while in women it was linked with cholesterol. In women, a link was found between an increase in left ventricle mass and cholesterol.

Study lead Professor Jill Belch, of the University’s School of Medicine, described the findings as a “very exciting and significant development. We looked at thousand of health records and it became apparent that the mass of the left ventricle was a clear indicator of future risk of cardiovascular disease. The blood pressure and cholestrol in themselves would not have led preventive treatment in women being offered. So we have clearly identified a very early marker of future cardiovascular disease which can be detected via a simple MRI scan. 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 which are cruelly taken from us as a consequence of cardiovascular disease. This is widely available, easy to perform procedure that out study has proven to be able to identify people at risk of cardiovascular disease who may have no clues identifiable risk factors, 10 years before the event”.

Cardiovascular disease can refer to several conditions that narrow or block blood vessels, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure. While some people are susceptible for genetic reasons, a person’s likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease can be increased by factors like smoking, obesity, poor diet and lack of exercise. The findings also welcomed by the charity Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS), which funded the study, with chief executive Jane- Claire Hudson saying they are “Proud” to have supported the research. “Studies like this are vital in enhancing our understanding of hear and stroke conditions as well as possible ways to try and prevent their occurrence or reduced their impact on those currently affected” she said. The study was published in the Journal Radiology.