Research suggests that one in four healthy people aged over 60 in the UK have undiagnosed heart valve disease.
This condition occurs when one or more of the heart valves do not function properly. The main problem is caused by the valves not opening fully or closing properly.
Experts say heart valve disease puts extra strain on the heart and can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and other heart-related health problems.
Researchers led by the University of East Anglia (UEA) found that one in four healthy, asymptomatic adults have the disease but don't know it. Their findings are published in the European Heart Journal Cardiovascular Imaging.
Co-first author Vasilios Vasiliou, clinical professor of cardiology at Norwich Medical School UEA, said: “This study focused on understanding how prevalent heart valve problems of all severity are among healthy, asymptomatic adults with no history of heart disease.”
“We used echocardiography, an ultrasound test of the heart, to screen around 4,500 people aged 60 and over in three areas of the UK – Norfolk, the West Midlands and Aberdeen.
“Our findings suggest that more than 28 percent of these adults had some form of heart valve disease, but reassuringly, the vast majority of cases were mild.”
“The data also shows that age is the main factor associated with these heart valve problems, meaning the older you are, the more likely you are to develop serious valve problems.”
Co-lead author Professor Michael Fleneau of London's Royal Brompton Hospital said the hearts of people with undetected disease were likely to be under even greater strain as a result. “Over time this could increase their risk of heart attack, stroke and other heart diseases,” he added.
Symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness or dizziness, swelling in the ankles or feet, feeling more tired than usual, and palpitations in the chest or neck.
Over 10 years, 4,327 asymptomatic patients aged 60 years or older took part in the study, which was invited through general practices and funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
Participants were assessed with health questionnaires, clinical tests and transthoracic echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), and 28.2% of participants were diagnosed with heart valve disease.
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“This study shows that many older people have heart valve problems even if they don't have any symptoms. We encourage people to consult their doctor if they develop any new symptoms or signs that suggest heart disease,” Vasiliou said.
“As our population continues to age, this information will help healthcare professionals understand the magnitude of valvular disease and streamline their routine treatment and screening programs to meet future demand.”
“This way we can better identify and help those at risk before the problem becomes more severe.”
Professor James Leiper, deputy medical director at the BHF, said the findings were important and research was needed to find ways to identify more patients with heart valve disease.
Another study published Thursday in the British Medical Journal found that rates of coronary heart disease in people under 60 in the UK have stopped falling, and researchers say this could be due to rising obesity rates and lack of exercise.
