Transformative Heart Health Research: Join the Fight Against Heart Attacks
Every year, approximately 8,000 individuals under the age of 70 suffer their first heart attack in Sweden, with over 1,000 of those cases resulting in fatalities. The urgency to address this growing concern is highlighted by Göran Bergström, the chief physician at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, who aims to significantly reduce the number of affected individuals by the year 2030.
Göran Bergström is not only a leading physician but also a professor at the University of Gothenburg and plays a crucial role in SCAPIS, the largest ongoing heart study globally. This Swedish initiative involves six prominent universities and university hospitals collaborating to study 30,000 residents in hopes of improving the prediction and prevention of heart and lung diseases.
Bergström's mission is clear: identify seemingly healthy individuals who may, unbeknownst to them, be at high risk for heart attacks. "My focus is to try to identify completely healthy individuals who walk around without symptoms but have a high risk of experiencing a heart attack without them knowing it," says Bergström. SCAPIS is pivotal to this vision, providing a wealth of data that can help pinpoint those at risk.
Throughout the SCAPIS study, researchers delve into the heart and blood vessels of participants to uncover any risk factors for heart attacks. Alarmingly, changes indicating such risks were observed in over 40% of the examined group. Although most changes were minor, one in twenty participants exhibited more significant issues without being aware of their condition. While identifying these risks using current methods is resource-intensive, ongoing research aims to develop an affordable blood test that could translate into preventative measures.
Bergström emphasizes, "If we find them, we can provide preventive assistance so they don’t have a heart attack." This assistance often involves lifestyle changes, complemented by available effective medications. He believes that discovering straightforward methods to identify high-risk individuals could revolutionize heart health, stating, "Perhaps we can measure something in the blood that could become an inexpensive test. If SCAPIS leads to a smart and cost-effective screening method, I would aim for it to eliminate 20-30% of those in the risk zone."
The SCAPIS study represents an immense financial undertaking, with the Heart-Lung Foundation serving as the primary funding source. As the extensive research continues, every donation is crucial. "We can measure a lot of things in the blood of these individuals, but we still cannot afford to measure everything we want. I believe that soon ideas for a solution will emerge and it's funding that enables us to take that step," Bergström concludes.
To support this vital research and help prevent heart attacks before they strike, consider making a donation. Every penny counts in the fight against heart disease.
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