Scientists at the University of East Anglia (UEA) have developed an advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to determine the ‘true age’ of the heart
The recently published research reveals how unhealthy lifestyles can accelerate the age.
It suggests that the breakthrough could revolutionise heart disease diagnosis, potentially saving millions of lives by identifying issues before they become critical.
The UEA-led research team collaborated with hospitals in Singapore, Spain, and the UK, analysing MRI scans from 557 individuals.
The study included 191 healthy participants and 366 with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity.
Advanced imaging techniques were used to measure the size and strength of the heart’s chambers, enabling the development of a formula to calculate the heart’s ‘functional age’.
UEA’s Norwich Medical School lead researcher Pankaj Garg said: “Our new MRI approach doesn’t just count your birthdays – it measures how well your heart is holding up. We found that an MRI scan can reveal your heart’s ‘functional age’ – how old it acts, not how old you are.
“In healthy people, we found that heart age was similar to chronological age. But for patients with things like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and atrial fibrillation, their functional heart age was significantly higher.
“For example, a 50-year-old with high blood pressure might have a heart that works like it’s 55. People with health issues like diabetes or obesity often have hearts that are ageing faster than they should, sometimes by decades. So, this could help doctors step in early to stop heart disease in its tracks.”
The findings indicate that the MRI technique could be a lifesaver, offering a new method to assess heart health.
The research was conducted in partnership with the Hospital San Juan de Dios in Spain, and the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands.
The partnership also includes the National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National University of Singapore, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the University of Leeds, the University of Sheffield, and Barts Health NHS Trust.
Funding for the research was provided by Wellcome, a global charitable foundation focused on advancing human and animal health through research.
Pankaj added: “This is a game-changer for keeping hearts healthier, longer. Heart disease is one of the world’s biggest killers. Our new MRI method gives doctors a powerful tool to look inside the heart like never before and spot trouble early – before symptoms even start.
“By knowing your heart’s true age, patients could get advice or treatments to slow down the aging process, potentially preventing heart attacks or strokes.
“It could also be the wake-up call people need to take better care of themselves – whether that’s eating healthier, exercising more, or following their doctor’s advice. It’s about giving people a fighting chance against heart disease.”
