Scientists: A factor has been identified in men that increases the risk of heart failure

Breakthrough in cardiology: a simple neck ultrasound can detect heart failure risk in men twice as effectively. The study by British scientists has been published in the prestigious Journal of the American Heart Association.

A large-scale study, covering more than 1600 elderly men (71-92 years old), led to an unexpected discovery. In 2010-2012, all participants underwent a routine ultrasound scan of the carotid arteries — a procedure that allows assessment of vascular elasticity and detection of narrowing due to atherosclerotic plaques. Scientists divided the subjects into groups based on arterial stiffness and monitored their health conditions over six years.

The results were astonishing: men with the least elastic arteries were 2.5 times more likely to develop heart failure. This indicator persisted even after accounting for risk factors such as age, excess weight, smoking, and previous heart attacks. Researchers explain that reduced vascular flexibility causes increased blood pressure, which significantly increases the load on the heart muscle.

While carotid ultrasound is traditionally used to assess stroke risk, the new study shows that this methodology can become a crucial early indicator of heart failure — even in patients who experience no symptoms.

Specialists from University College London particularly note that ultrasound examination is an accessible and economical procedure that can be easily implemented in primary care practice. However, scientists call for caution: additional studies involving women are needed to confirm the universality of the method.