Scientists at the University of East Anglia (UEA) have developed a groundbreaking MRI technique that determines the 'functional age' of the heart, which could revolutionize the diagnosis of heart disease.

The study involved MRI scans from 557 participants, including 191 healthy individuals and 366 with chronic conditions, conducted in collaboration with hospitals in the UK, Spain, and Singapore.

Lead researcher Dr. Pankaj Garg highlighted that individuals with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity often have hearts that function older than their actual age, indicating accelerated aging due to health problems.

This innovative method allows for early intervention based on the heart's true age, which is crucial in preventing heart disease, a leading cause of death worldwide.

Published in the European Heart Journal Open, the research aims to transform heart disease diagnosis and potentially save millions by detecting issues early.

The MRI technique not only aids in diagnosis but also encourages patients to improve their diets and increase exercise to combat heart aging.

Ph.D. student Hosam Assadi expressed optimism that this technique could become a standard part of heart health check-ups, allowing for timely detection and treatment of heart issues.

The research was funded by Wellcome and involved partnerships with multiple institutions, including the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and various universities in Europe and Singapore.

The findings could motivate individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks or strokes.

The MRI approach measures the size and strength of the heart's chambers to calculate its functional age, revealing significant discrepancies in patients with health issues.

Research published recently emphasizes how unhealthy lifestyles can accelerate the functional age of the heart, potentially catching problems before they become severe.