Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, with early detection and diagnosis being critical for improving survival rates. Researchers from Queen Mary University of London, King’s College London, University of Zaragoza, University College London, and Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña in Spain have uncovered a groundbreaking method for assessing heart disease risk based on the genetically determined shape of the heart.
Using advanced 3D imaging and machine learning, the team analyzed MRI scans of the hearts of 40,000 participants. They created detailed models of the right and left ventricles and identified 11 distinct heart shapes. Unlike prior studies that emphasized size and volume alone, this research explored how shape, along with structural variations, can reveal a person's genetic predisposition to heart disease.
The study's genetic analysis pinpointed 45 areas in the human genome associated with heart shape, 14 of which were previously unknown to influence cardiovascular health. These findings provide valuable insights into the biological pathways linking heart structure to disease risk, offering a new dimension to cardiovascular diagnostics.
This novel approach underscores the importance of integrating genetics with imaging technologies. By focusing on shape, clinicians can enhance early detection, paving the way for more precise interventions. These results hold promise for reshaping how we understand, diagnose, and treat heart disease.
References:
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-11-genetic-links-heart-cardiovascular-disease.html
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7006335/
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