Neck Scan: Early Heart Failure Clue for Men?

New research suggests that a straightforward neck scan, similar to pregnancy ultrasounds, could offer a crucial early warning system for heart failure, particularly in men. This safe, inexpensive, and painless non-invasive technique, known as a carotid ultrasound, takes between 15 to 30 minutes to assess the flexibility of the carotid arteries. Stiffening of these arteries, which supply blood to the brain, is associated with increased risks of high blood pressure, heart failure, heart attack, and stroke.

The study, which analyzed data from over 1,600 men aged 71 to 92, revealed that men with the least flexible arteries were 2.5 times more likely to develop heart failure. Researchers also noted that thicker carotid arteries were linked to a higher risk of heart attack. These findings, stemming from the long-running British Regional Heart Study, highlight the potential for general practitioners to offer this screening to older male patients.

While further research is required to determine the efficacy of this method in women, the implications are significant for proactive cardiovascular care. Early detection through such scans could prompt vital conversations about lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing heart failure risk. Experts emphasize that detecting these arterial changes necessitates considering the potential impact on the heart, as treatment strategies exist to help prevent heart failure.