New research indicates that artery-clogging plaque buildup may start earlier in life than previously thought. About one in 13 adults aged 18 to 29 already have signs of silent atherosclerosis, characterized by hardened arteries due to plaque, despite having no known cardiovascular disease. A major international study found over half of healthy adults show some arterial plaque.

Researchers from Denmark and Spain analyzed more than 16,800 adults, aged 18 to 70, with no known heart disease. They discovered plaque in 57.1% of participants, with the prevalence rising with age, from one in 13 adults under 30 to nine in 10 adults aged 60 to 70. These findings were published in The New England Journal of Medicine in August.

Atherosclerosis involves fatty deposits and cholesterol building up in arteries, often developing unnoticed over many years before triggering heart attacks or strokes, experts say. Dr. Borja Ibáñez, a cardiologist at Spain’s National Center for Cardiovascular Research, states, This study lets us detect disease directly before serious events occur, going beyond traditional risk assessments like age and cholesterol.

The study marks the first phase of the ongoing international REACT study, which explores the prevalence of silent artery plaque throughout adulthood. Future phases aim to assess whether early detection may improve heart disease prevention.

Professor Henning Bundgaard from Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen mentions, REACT shows silent atherosclerosis can be detected years before symptoms and provides an extensive analysis of its development during adult life.

Findings also suggest men tend to develop plaques five to ten years earlier than women, who see the most significant increase between ages 40 and 60. Experts emphasize the importance of being aware of blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart health risk factors to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Standard cardiovascular risk scores identified only a small portion of individuals with silent atherosclerosis, proposing that some cases may remain unnoticed without traditional assessments. While portable ultrasounds could potentially detect hidden plaques earlier, more clinical trials are necessary.

Health professionals advise taking heart health seriously, but warn against panic. Dr. Sirisha Vadali from HonorHealth Women’s Heart Health notes, Discovery of plaque allows us an opportunity to address risk factors before symptoms arise. Vadali adds that being symptom-free doesn’t guarantee clear arteries.

The study doesn’t conclude that mass screenings will directly prevent heart attacks. Experts recommend healthy habits like avoiding tobacco, staying active, and eating well-balanced diets containing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and seafood while limiting saturated fats and sodium.