Groundbreaking Research Aims to Prevent Heart Attacks Before They Strike
Every year, approximately 8,000 individuals under the age of 70 experience their first heart attack, with over 1,000 tragically succumbing to the condition. Dr. Göran Bergström, the chief physician at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, is on a mission to reduce this alarming statistic by the year 2030. His work centers around the world's largest heart study, known as SCAPIS, which seeks to predict and prevent heart and lung diseases.
Dr. Bergström, who is also a professor at the University of Gothenburg, emphasizes the urgency of identifying seemingly healthy individuals who may be at risk of a heart attack. "My focus is to try to identify completely healthy people who go around without symptoms but who have a looming risk of having a heart attack without them even knowing it," he explains. The SCAPIS study enlists collaboration from six universities and university hospitals to examine 30,000 residents across Sweden.
During the examination process, researchers examine the hearts and blood vessels of participants to identify any risk indicators for heart attacks. Alarmingly, more than 40% of individuals studied exhibited changes in their blood vessels that could signify a risk. While the majority demonstrated only minor alterations, about one in twenty showed significant changes—without any prior awareness of their condition. Dr. Bergström notes the high costs of this investigative approach but remains optimistic about the future of risk identification, particularly the potential for a simple blood test to identify those at risk.
"If we find them, we can provide preventive help so they do not suffer a heart attack. It largely involves making lifestyle changes, but there are also remarkable medications available. We have many aids for people living with risk, but we need to first find the individuals," says Dr. Bergström. He expresses hope that innovative and cost-effective screening methods may soon arise from SCAPIS, adding that a successful identification process could potentially reduce the number of individuals in the risk zone by up to 30%.
Funding is a significant factor, as large-scale studies like SCAPIS require substantial financial backing. The Heart-Lung Foundation is the primary financier of the project. To continue advancing research and finding solutions, every contribution is vital. "We can measure a multitude of things in the blood of these individuals, but we still cannot afford to measure everything we want. I believe that soon we will have ideas for solutions that allow us to take that next step," concludes Dr. Bergström.
As part of raising awareness and support for this crucial work, donations are being solicited to enhance the study's efforts in preventing heart attacks and saving lives.
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