A large new study conducted by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland has revealed that insulin resistance may be an important risk factor for the development of aortic valve stenosis in men over the age of 45 years.
Aortic valve stenosis is the most common heart valve disease in the world. The results of the study, which was published in the journal Annals of Medicine on November 26, may open doors to new treatments for aortic stenosis, which affects 2% of people over the age of 65 years around the world.
What is aortic valve stenosis?
The aortic valve is one of the heart’s four valves, and connects the left side of the heart to the aorta. Aortic valve stenosis is a debilitating heart condition that limits blood flow out of the heart. Over time, the valve thickens and stiffens, making the heart work harder to pump blood effectively throughout the body. If this is not treated, it may gradually cause damage that can lead to life-threatening complications, such as heart failure.
It may take years for people living with aortic valve stenosis to develop symptoms, which include chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Some may never experience symptoms, but they may still be at risk of heart failure and death. Previously identified risk factors for aortic valve stenosis include age, gender (males are more susceptible than females), high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes.
Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance, which often develops years before the onset of type 2 diabetes, occurs when cells fail to respond effectively to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating glucose (blood sugar) levels in the blood. In response, the body produces more insulin to maintain normal glucose levels, resulting in higher blood insulin levels.
Risk factor analysis
The researchers analyzed data on 10,000 Finnish men between the ages of 45 and 73, all of whom did not suffer from aortic valve stenosis initially, and who participated in the study of metabolic syndrome in men. At the beginning of the study, the researchers measured several biomarkers, including those related to hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance.
Later, researchers found that those who showed signs of insulin resistance were more likely to develop aortic valve stenosis.
“This new finding highlights that insulin resistance may be a significant and modifiable risk factor for aortic valve stenosis,” says study author Dr. Johanna Kuusisto from the University Hospital of Eastern Finland – according to the Eurek Alert website. “Because insulin resistance is common in Western societies, the Department of Health Metabolomics could be a new approach to reduce the risk of aortic stenosis and improve cardiovascular health in aging populations. Future studies are now needed to determine whether insulin sensitivity is improved through measures such as… Weight control and exercise can help prevent the condition.”