Silent Heart Disease: How Common And How Dangerous? Now We Know
1 year ago
6585
0
Posted on Apr 12, 2023, 12 p.m.
Article courtesy of Dr. Joel Kahn, MD, who is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine, one of the world's top cardiologists, a best-selling author, lecturer, and a leading expert in plant-based nutrition and holistic care.
Background:
Coronary atherosclerosis, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD) and coronary heart disease (CHD), may develop at an early age and remain asymptomatic and hidden for many years. It is still not known how common silent CAD is in a general population and how risky it is.
Study Design:
Prospective observational cohort study.
Study Setting:
Copenhagen General Population Study, Denmark.
Study Participants:
9533 asymptomatic persons aged 40 years or older without known ischemic heart disease. More than half were women. The average age was 60 years.
Study Measurements:
Subclinical coronary atherosclerosis was assessed with coronary computed tomography angiography conducted blinded to treatment and outcomes.
Coronary atherosclerosis was characterized according to luminal obstruction (nonobstructive or obstructive [≥50% luminal stenosis]) and extent (nonextensive or extensive [one-third or more of the coronary tree]). T
The primary outcome was myocardial infarction (MI or heart attack), and the secondary outcome was a composite of death or MI.
Study Results:
A total of 5114 (54%) persons had no subclinical coronary atherosclerosis.
On the other hand, 3483 (36%) had nonobstructive disease, and 936 (10%) had obstructive disease, for a total of 46% of participants with silent CAD.
Within a median follow-up of 3.5 years, 193 persons died and 71 had myocardial infarction.
The risk for MI was increased in persons with obstructive (risk 9X elevated) and extensive (risk 8X elevated) disease.
The highest risk for MI was noted in persons with obstructive-extensive subclinical coronary atherosclerosis (risk 12X elevated) or obstructive-nonextensive (risk 8X elevated).
Study Conclusion:
In asymptomatic persons with an average of 60 years old, subclinical, coronary atherosclerosis was found in about half of study subjects.
In those with "obstructive" silent CAD, there was associated a more than 8-fold elevated risk for myocardial infarction.
About the author: At his core, Dr. Joel Kahn believes that plant-based nutrition is the most powerful source of preventative medicine on the planet. Having practiced traditional cardiology since 1983, it was only after his own commitment to a plant-based vegan diet that Dr. Kahn truly began to delve into the realm of non-traditional diagnostic tools, prevention tactics, and nutrition-based recovery protocols.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of WHN/A4M. Any content provided by guest authors is of their own opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
Content may be edited for style and length.
References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-kahn-md-757a59225/
