Researchers are reporting that MRI scans may be more accurate in detecting heart disease in women compared to other diagnostic tools like echocardiograms. They note that women can experience heart disease differently than men. A recent study published in the European Heart Journal Open found that MRI scans accurately detected heart failure in women by providing more accurate images than other methods. The researchers analyzed the records of 835 participants, 60% of whom were female, and found that MRI scans provided more accurate images than using a catheter to measure heart pressure. This suggests that MRI scans could be a noninvasive and accurate test for heart disease.
Dr. Richard Wright, a cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California, expressed hope that researchers have found a way to measure heart pressure without the need for a catheter. Currently, heart failure is typically diagnosed through examination, with an echocardiogram being a common tool for detecting heart disease. However, echocardiograms are often inaccurate and require an injection of dye. Inserting a catheter to measure pressure in the heart is more accurate but invasive. Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, an interventional cardiologist, explained that identifying symptoms is essential for diagnosing heart failure, and echocardiograms are commonly used alongside other diagnostic tools like electrocardiograms and CT scans.
Dr. Pankaj Garg, lead author of the study, noted that MRI scans provided much more accurate images and have potential to increase early detection of heart disease, particularly in women. The researchers used an MRI scanner and developed an equation to determine heart pressure, resulting in improved accuracy compared to other methods. Women’s hearts are biologically different from men’s, with smaller hearts and narrower blood vessels. Brigham and Women’s Hospital states that heart disease can progress differently in women, leading to unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Garg emphasized the importance of understanding these differences to ensure women receive appropriate care for heart health.
Dr. Chen believes that MRI scans will become more widespread in the future, especially for diagnosing diastolic heart failure, which is more common in women. However, there are limitations to using MRI scans regularly, such as discomfort for some individuals, physical limitations, and cost. Wright added that not all hospitals have the necessary equipment or expertise for conducting heart MRI scans, making it a niche field. While MRI scans might offer more accuracy in diagnosing heart disease, there are barriers that prevent widespread use.
Overall, the research suggests that MRI scans could be a valuable tool for detecting heart disease in women, who may experience symptoms differently than men due to their biological differences. Improving accuracy in diagnosing heart failure in women is crucial for providing appropriate care and improving quality of life. The potential of MRI scans to provide accurate images and detect heart disease earlier in women highlights the importance of advancing diagnostic technology for addressing gender-specific health issues.
