A Rising Tide of Heart Attacks in Sweden: Insights from Cardiologist John Pernow
There is a worrying trend regarding the number of heart attacks in Sweden, according to cardiologist John Pernow, who has worked at Karolinska University Hospital since 1991 and is now a professor of cardiology at Karolinska Institute. Pernow states that, for some time now, the data has begun to show an alarming increase in heart attacks after previously enjoying a decline. The upward trend is particularly concerning during the Christmas season, a time when heart attack occurrences rise noticeably. While the exact reasons for this spike remain elusive, Pernow suggests several possible factors including heightened stress and an increase in alcohol consumption during the holiday festivities.
However, it is not all doom and gloom. Among patients who have already experienced a heart attack, the rate of reinfarction, or subsequent heart attacks, has decreased, largely due to medical advancements and ongoing research. Pernow emphasizes the necessity of improving the identification of individuals at risk before they suffer a heart attack. He advocates for the discovery of biomarkers through blood samples taken from healthy individuals to predict their susceptibility to future heart attacks.
One promising initiative is SCAPIS, the world's largest study of heart blood vessels and lungs, actively underway in Sweden. This significant research project collaborates with six universities and university hospitals, examining 30,000 Swedes to find and treat cardiovascular diseases early on. Pernow explains that this extensive study aims to uncover what differentiates those who go on to suffer heart attacks from those who do not by observing the changes in their health over time.
Forty percent of the participants in SCAPIS exhibited changes in their blood vessels that indicated an increased risk of a heart attack. While many of these changes were minor, one in twenty revealed serious issues without the individual's prior knowledge. Given the associated costs of identifying these risks, researchers are focusing on developing simpler techniques, such as straightforward blood tests, to assess future heart attack risk.
Through advanced X-ray examinations, doctors can identify the presence of arteriosclerosis in the blood vessels. In conjunction, blood analyses help recognize specific markers that correlate with the likelihood of having arteriosclerosis and a potential heart attack. With comprehensive efforts underway, Pernow is hopeful sensitive biomarkers can be discovered.
As he reflects on the emotional impact of seeing both young and old individuals affected by heart disease, Pernow acknowledges the challenges. Heart attacks can strike those in the prime of their lives, leading to chronic conditions even after successful treatment. For individuals who have had a heart attack, the increased risk of subsequent attacks remains a significant concern.
Pernow emphasizes that research in this area could greatly benefit from public support. He suggests that even a small financial contribution from many individuals could collectively make a substantial difference. Given the spirit of giving during the holiday season, he proposes that if everyone were to forgo one Christmas gift and instead donate that amount toward research, it could yield remarkable results in funding critical studies like SCAPIS.
SCAPIS stands out as a beacon of hope in the fight against heart attacks, underpinned by the support of the Heart-Lung Foundation and the collaboration of leading academic institutions in Sweden. Its integral goal is to preemptively tackle heart attacks and strokes, guiding efforts towards advancing public health and saving lives.
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