The unrecognized, or silent, Heart attack may cause an increased risk for Dementia in male patients, researchers have found.
Dr. Monique Breteler was convinced that the findings of her associates justified a link between male silent heart attacks and increased dementia risk. In order to confirm these findings, 6300 participants were gathered and data examined regarding the presence of silent heart attacks and the possibility of a link between those heart attacks and dementia in male patients. Female patients in Breteler's studies have not previously shown an increased risk of dementia.
The study spanned between 1990 and 1993, in the first stages. The participants were placed into three groups. Those who had suffered a physical, recognizable heart attack, those who had not reported having a heart attack, and those who had suffered a heart attack that was diagnosed only via EKG readings.
Of all 6300 patients, who were monitored until 2005, 613 cases (nearly 10%) were later diagnosed with dementia.
Of the participants, nearly 450, without a diagnosis of dementia, were monitored and received MRIs to relate any brain changes present in those suffering from silent heart attacks versus those who had not. According to the
MRI results, the patients that suffered from silent heart attacks were more 2 times more likely to suffer from dementia and were also at an increased risk of brain lesions and
Cerebral blood vessel blockages.
According to the results of the study, Breteler's team concludes that the EKG may be a helpful tool in the early diagnosis of possible under recognized side effects of silent heart attacks.
