Early Detection of Silent Atherosclerosis Highlights Need for Heart Health Awareness

Recent research reveals that artery-clogging plaque buildup may start earlier than many expect. A major international study reports that roughly 1 in 13 adults aged 18 to 29 have silent atherosclerosis. This condition involves the hardening of arteries due to plaque but occurs without known cardiovascular disease. The study shows that over half of the healthy adults examined exhibited signs of plaque formation.

Researchers from Denmark and Spain employed advanced imaging techniques to study more than 16,800 adults aged 18 to 70, none of whom had known cardiovascular disease. Their findings, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, indicate that 57.1% of the participants had plaque. The prevalence of plaque increases with age, affecting approximately 1 in 13 adults under 30, and nearly 9 in 10 adults aged 60 to 70.

“This study shows that we can now go one step further and detect the disease directly before it causes a heart attack or stroke,” said Dr. Borja Ibáñez, cardiologist and scientific director at Spain’s National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC).

The study is part of the first phase of the REACT study, which aims to map the presence of silent artery plaque across the adult population. The next phase will explore whether earlier detection can enhance heart disease prevention strategies.

The research also indicates that men tend to develop plaque 5 to 10 years before women. Women’s most significant increase in plaque presence occurs between ages 40 and 60.

Traditional cardiovascular risk assessments often miss cases of silent atherosclerosis. Researchers suggest that portable ultrasound technology could potentially aid in early detection of hidden plaque, although further clinical trials are necessary.

Dr. Sirisha Vadali, a cardiologist not involved in the research, advised caution: “Finding plaque doesn’t mean someone is about to have a heart attack, but finding it gives us an opportunity to address a patient’s risk factors.” Prevention strategies should target heart health well before symptoms appear.

Vadali emphasized that the findings don’t call for everyone under 30 to undergo artery screening. She recommended lifestyle habits such as avoiding tobacco, maintaining physical activity, and eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts, and fish. Limiting saturated fat and excess sodium can also help protect heart health.