Researchers at Keele University have made significant progress in understanding how to better prevent future heart attacks in individuals experiencing unexplained chest pain.
This breakthrough could potentially benefit millions of people who visit their GP every year in the UK due to chest discomfort. Despite undergoing various tests, many individuals remain undiagnosed, leaving their condition unattributed. However, research has indicated that those with unattributed chest pain face a higher risk of future heart issues compared to others.
Advertisement
Keele University’s team has pinpointed crucial factors that heighten the chances of individuals experiencing unexplained chest pain to develop heart and circulatory ailments. Their findings, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, aim to assist doctors in identifying those at the highest risk so they can provide timely preventive treatments and lifestyle advice.
Using anonymized data from over 600,000 patients with unattributed chest pain, the researchers developed and validated risk calculators. These tools analyzed information from GP records, hospital admissions, and mortality data over a period of at least five years. The findings indicated that individuals with atrial fibrillation, diabetes, and managed high blood pressure faced the greatest risk of developing heart and circulatory conditions.
Furthermore, nearly half of those at high risk were smokers or obese, indicating the importance of addressing lifestyle factors. The researchers estimated that supporting smokers with obesity to quit smoking and lose weight could significantly reduce their risk of heart problems over ten years.
Interestingly, the study found that current risk-prediction tools may underestimate the risk for this group of patients. A comparison with the existing QRISK3 risk calculator showed discrepancies, with a significant portion of patients having higher risks according to the new model developed by the researchers.
Advertisement
Professor Mamas Mamas, one of the researchers involved in the study, emphasized the significance of recognizing chest pain as a warning sign for potential future health issues. He highlighted the possibility of utilizing information from health records to identify high-risk individuals and promote healthier lifestyles.
Professor Bryan Williams of the British Heart Foundation hailed the research as crucial in leveraging health data to prevent heart problems. He stressed the importance of responding to early warning signs to prevent avoidable heart attacks, particularly in the face of challenges within healthcare systems.
In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of proactive measures in identifying and managing risk factors associated with unattributed chest pain, ultimately aiming to reduce the burden of heart diseases in affected individuals.
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
