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Predicting heart failure risk

High blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI) in mid-life increases the risk of heart failure in the future. The new study was reported in The Journal of Hypertension for November.

The study

Researchers at The Boston University School of Medicine studied 3362 people over 20 years. They took the participants blood pressure, pulse and BMI at routine examinations.

High blood pressure, high pulse and high BMI levels were all associated with the 518 participants who developed heart failure in the study.

Researchers conclusions

Dr Vasan, the lead researcher said, "The prevention of heart failure should begin early in life, and should include screening for elevated blood pressure and BMI."

"Failure to identify or treat such modifiable risk factors in early and mid-adulthood may result in the loss of opportunities to reduce the incidence of heart failure in later life.", added Dr Vasan.

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