Laura Lõo, a Junior Research Fellow at the University of Tartu, has joined forces with international researchers to create new models for spotting heart disease risk early. These models aim to catch potential problems before symptoms arise, a crucial step in effective healthcare.
Heart diseases are a major issue globally. They lead to nearly half of all deaths in Estonia alone. Lõo points out that heart disease prevention hasn’t been very organized. Often, heart failure shows up only when someone sees a doctor for something else. “We need to ensure that treatment reaches the right people at the right time,” she stresses.
The research team developed two models using data from major health databases. The SCORE2-HF model is the first and helps predict the risk of heart failure in the general public, even looking up to 30 years into the future. It uses common health indicators like blood pressure, body mass index, smoking habits, and whether someone has type 2 diabetes.
One major resource for this model was the BIG‑HEART database, which tracks health and social data for all Estonians over 36 years old from 2012. The team analyzed data from around 700,000 people, showing how valuable even a smaller country can be in contributing to significant international research.
Insights from this project are particularly timely. A recent study by the World Health Organization found that people in their 30s and 40s are increasingly affected by heart-related issues. This emphasizes the need for tools like Lõo’s models. Early detection can lead to better outcomes, making these models a crucial part of future clinical practice.
As healthcare evolves, leveraging data for preventative measures is becoming more important. These models not only have the potential to save lives but also reduce the strain on healthcare systems—fitting into a wider trend observed in medical research where early diagnosis tools are becoming standard practice.
For more information on the development of these heart health prediction models, you can explore publications in the European Heart Journal. This research is a promising step towards better management of heart disease, making it easier to target interventions where they are needed most.
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