A recent study has revealed that the buildup of plaque in arteries can start much earlier than many people think. Research indicates that about 1 in 13 young adults aged 18 to 29 already have a condition known as silent atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries due to plaque buildup, even when they show no signs of heart disease. Surprisingly, more than half of the healthy adults surveyed were found to have plaque in their arteries.
Conducted by researchers from Denmark and Spain, this significant study examined over 16,800 adults between the ages of 18 and 70 who had no known cardiovascular conditions. The findings showed that 57.1% of participants had signs of plaque, and the presence of this condition increased with age. For those under 30, about 1 in 13 were affected, compared to nearly 90% of adults aged 60 to 70. The research was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in August.
Atherosclerosis happens when fatty substances, cholesterol, and other materials accumulate in the arteries over a long time, often without noticeable symptoms, leading to potential heart attacks or strokes later on. Dr. Borja Ibáñez, a cardiologist from Spain, highlighted that traditional methods to assess cardiovascular risk, typically based on age, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, might have overlooked the presence of the disease itself. This study demonstrates that atherosclerosis can be detected long before severe health issues arise.
The findings are part of the ongoing REACT study, which aims to further understand the prevalence of silent artery plaque throughout adulthood. Future phases of the research will investigate whether earlier detection can effectively prevent heart disease.
Interestingly, the study found that men tend to develop plaque five to ten years earlier than women, while women see a significant increase in plaque buildup during their 40s and 50s. The research also revealed that traditional cardiovascular risk scores only identified a small portion of those who have silent atherosclerosis, indicating that many cases might go unnoticed with existing assessments.
While researchers hope that portable ultrasound technology could aid in the early identification of hidden plaque, they acknowledge that more clinical trials are needed to support this approach. Experts advise that these findings should motivate individuals to take heart health seriously without causing undue anxiety.
Dr. Sirisha Vadali, a cardiologist, emphasized that just because someone feels healthy, it doesn’t guarantee their arteries are clear of plaque. She pointed out that finding plaque gives an opportunity to address risk factors before serious conditions develop.
Importantly, Dr. Vadali clarified that not everyone under 30 needs to undergo routine artery screenings. Decisions about such tests should consider personal risk factors. She also recommended adopting a healthy lifestyle by avoiding tobacco, staying active, and eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats to maintain heart health.
