Heart's Hidden Dangers: A New Look at Plaque

A new study has shed light on a sneaky heart risk that many people overlook. It's all about a type of plaque in our arteries that isn't easily detected. This plaque, known as soft or non-calcified plaque, can be a silent threat. It can lead to heart attacks or even death, even when arteries aren't severely blocked. The study, part of the CONFIRM2 Registry, looked at over 6, 550 people. Most were around 59 years old, with nearly half being men. The findings were eye-opening. People who had heart events had almost five times more of this soft plaque than those who didn't. This suggests that this type of plaque is a major risk factor.What's more, many heart events occurred in people who didn't have severe blockages. This means that relying solely on artery narrowing to assess risk might not be enough. Doctors might be missing some high-risk patients if they don't consider this type of plaque. The study used AI to analyze heart scans, which could be a game-changer. By identifying these hidden risks earlier, doctors might be able to intervene before it's too late. This could change how we approach heart disease and who needs treatment. But here's a thought: if this soft plaque is such a big risk, why aren't we doing more to prevent it? Maybe it's time to focus on lifestyle changes and early detection to keep our hearts healthier for longer. After all, prevention is always better than cure.