Simple Neck Examination Can Detect Risk Of Heart Failure, Really?

Illustration of neck checks can detect the risk of heart failure. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Heart failure is often difficult to recognize because the symptoms can be mild and easily misinterpreted as a sign of aging or fatigue. But a recent study shows simple neck tests can help detect early signs of the risk of heart failure in men.

This examination is known as carotic ultrasonicography, which is similar to the ultrasound that is commonly done during pregnancy. Researchers suggest this examination can be considered for doctors for patients over 60 years of age.

"Carotical ultrasonography is a safe, inexpensive, and harmless examination. Our findings suggest this examination could provide an early warning sign for heart failure," explains Dr. Atinuke Akinmolayan, researchers from University College London (UCL) and general practitioners, quoted from The Sun's website.

"A patient whose results show a higher risk can discuss with doctors about changing lifestyles that can reduce these risks," he continued.

This examination took about 1530 minutes with a small soft-moving handheld device in the neck. The examination allowed doctors to see the flexibility of carotic arteries, the main blood vessels that supply blood to the brain, face, and neck.

According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), about 920,000 people in England live with heart failure. Large arteries in the body are usually elastic, but can harden due to disease or aging. This condition can cause high blood pressure, heart failure, and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

A study involving 1,631 men aged 71'92 using data from British Regional Heart Study showed that a third of men with the stiffest arteries had a 2.5 times higher risk of heart failure than those with the most flexible arteries.

The study also looked at the thickness of carotis arteries, and men with thicker arteries were at higher risk of having a heart attack. Each increase in thickness of 0.16 millimeters increases the risk of a heart attack by about 29 percent.

"These findings suggest hardening of arteries is related to an increased risk of heart failure, likely because the heart must work harder against resistance caused by stiff arteries," explained Professor Bryan Williams of the BHF.

"If these changes are detected in the carotic arteries, we should also consider their impact on the heart and the risk of heart failure, which can be prevented by treatment strategies," he added.

Dr. Akinmolayan added that further research is needed, especially to see if this method is also effective in women, but general practitioners can consider this examination for patients over 60 years of age if needed.

Another study from UCL showed a brief 10-minute examination could also help millions of people with a high blood pressure that is difficult to treat, particularly those caused by the adrenal glands that produce excessive aldosteron hormones.

This problem is estimated to affect about a quarter of people with hypertension. This examination can detect excess activity in the adrenal glands that conventional examinations may miss.

1. Lifestyle

- Smoking is the main cause of heart disease.

- Obesity with excessive weight, especially around the stomach increases risk.

- Unhealthy diets are caused by high saturated fat, salt, and sugar. This can cause high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and weight gain.

- Lack of physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle is related to obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

- Excessive alcohol can increase blood pressure and weight.

- High cholesterol from excess fat in the blood can clog the arteries.

- chronic stress can increase blood pressure and trigger unhealthy habits.

- This risk is also due to genetic factors. Family history with heart disease increases risk.

2. Medical Condition

- High blood pressure (hypertension) provides an additional burden on the heart.

- Chocery arterial disease. The buildup of plaque in the arteries can cause a heart attack.

- Diabetes damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease.

- Heart muscle disorders (cardiomopati) become a problem in the heart muscle.

- Heart valve problems can burden the heart.

- Congenital heart disease, such as heart defects since birth.

- Heart rhythm disorder (arithmia). Heart rate is irregular, for example atrium fibrillation.

- Sleep apnea is a respiratory problem while sleeping.

- chronic kidney disease can trigger heart problems.

- Anemia and thyroid disorders can increase risks.

- History of heart attacks damages heart tissue and interferes with blood pumping function.

- Certain viral infections. Viruses that attack the heart muscle can cause heart failure.

This simple, fast, safe carotical ultrasonicography examination opens up opportunities for early detection of heart failure, so that patients can take preventive steps early through lifestyle changes or treatment.