Seeing is believing: Visualising heart disease improves patient adherence to medicines

Pharma News: In a new study conducted by researchers from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, it has been revealed that visualising early heart disease through cardiac imaging significantly improves patient understanding of their risk and enhances their adherence to crucial medication and lifestyle changes.

Led by the brilliant PhD candidate Kristyn Whitmore, the study analysed data from six randomised controlled trials involving over 7,000 patients. This research stands out as the first of its kind to investigate whether patient visualisation of heart images enhances the widely used 10-year Framingham risk score and individual risk factors.

Out of the six studies examined, four employed coronary artery calcium scanning, while two utilised carotid ultrasound to detect the presence of subclinical or early atherosclerosis – a condition characterised by the thickening of arteries due to plaque accumulation along the inner lining. In each study, the intervention group was presented with visualised heart disease risk information. The comprehensive analysis demonstrated that cardiac imaging not only aided in diagnosis and risk assessment but also played a pivotal role in educating and motivating individuals to engage in risk modification and embrace crucial lifestyle changes.

With heart disease being the leading global killer, Professor Tom Marwick, senior author and esteemed cardiologist at the Baker Institute, emphasised the critical need for innovative approaches to detect and treat heart disease at its earliest stages, before catastrophic events such as heart attacks or strokes occur.

Professor Marwick highlighted the significance of integrating visual aids, such as images, alongside conventional risk information to bridge the gap in people’s understanding and enhance adherence to prescribed medications and lifestyle modifications. He emphasised that while the current standard of care in primary prevention of heart disease revolves around identifying risk factors, estimating risk, and managing it, existing risk assessment models do have certain limitations. These models can lead to underestimation or overestimation of risk in specific populations, and they provide a snapshot of risk levels at a single point in time without considering the cumulative effect of heart disease risk factors throughout an individual’s lifetime.

Moreover, heart risk scores have been found to be misunderstood or misperceived by asymptomatic individuals. Professor Marwick explained that convincing an outwardly healthy person to take daily medication to reduce their cardiac risk can be challenging. However, when individuals are presented with visual evidence of damaged blood vessels, they realise the imperative nature of treating an ongoing disease rather than merely managing a risk factor that may never manifest into a problem.

The lack of understanding or motivation can lead to complacency, which ultimately can have catastrophic consequences in the form of heart attacks or strokes, warned Professor Marwick. He asserted that screening tools such as coronary artery calcium scans and carotid ultrasound provide a means for early identification of subclinical heart disease in individuals without symptoms, potentially preventing heart events before they occur. These tests hold particular clinical value for individuals at intermediate risk who have no prior history of heart disease, as they can be reclassified into lower or higher risk groups based on the results.

In light of these findings, Professor Marwick calls for a closer examination of how healthcare professionals can better support general practitioners (GPs) in promoting risk modification and prevention strategies. Patient visualisation of early heart damage using cardiac imaging emerges as a promising tool deserving of further investigation. While cardiac imaging serves as a critical diagnostic tool for cardiologists, this study illuminates its potential for broader applications in facilitating communication and understanding. Professor Marwick expressed hope that studies like this will pave the way for wider utilisation of heart imaging techniques such as coronary artery calcium scans at a population-based level.

The implications of this research are far-reaching. By empowering patients with a tangible visualisation of their heart health, healthcare providers can foster a deeper understanding of the urgency and importance of proactive measures. It becomes a catalyst for individuals to take control of their wellbeing and make informed decisions regarding medication adherence and lifestyle adjustments.

The study’s findings shed light on the need for a paradigm shift in the approach to heart disease prevention. The integration of visual aids, alongside traditional risk assessment tools, marks a significant step forward in patient engagement and education. It transforms the conversation from abstract numbers and statistics to concrete evidence that resonates with individuals on a personal level. This, in turn, translates into increased motivation and commitment to long-term lifestyle changes, ultimately reducing the burden of heart disease on a global scale.

As Professor Marwick concluded, the study’s implications go beyond the realms of cardiac imaging. It opens up a broader conversation about innovative approaches to patient care and the importance of effective communication in promoting health outcomes.

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