Research links the shape of the heart to the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The factors influencing heart health are not always apparent. Recent studies suggest that a mutation responsible for dwarfism may protect against cardiovascular diseases, while certain popular antibiotics can aid in the regeneration of heart cells.

Experts from several universities and hospitals in the UK utilized 3D imaging and machine learning techniques to explore the variations in heart shape and their genetic connections for the first time. According to a study published in the scientific journal Nature Communications, this information allows for more accurate predictions of predisposition to cardiovascular diseases.

The authors analyzed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 45,863 individuals from the UK Biobank. They then created 3D models of the ventricles and employed statistical analysis to identify 11 parameters that characterize the primary differences in heart shape.

The research team also conducted a genetic analysis, which led to the identification of 45 specific regions in the human genome associated with various heart shapes. The researchers discovered for the first time that 14 of these regions affect the organ's functionality and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Among the conditions linked to heart shape are heart failure, myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, second or third-degree atrioventricular block, and diabetes.

According to the study's authors, it is crucial to examine the genetics of both ventricles simultaneously. This approach had not been previously utilized, making the new study a significant starting point in this area. The information obtained, the scientists believe, will expand the list of indicators that can help determine susceptibility to specific cardiovascular diseases.

“This research lays an important foundation for studying the genetics of both ventricles. It confirms that the combined shape of the heart is influenced by genetics and demonstrates the benefit of analyzing heart shape from the perspective of both ventricles for predicting individual risk of cardiometabolic diseases. The results of such analysis can be used alongside established clinical indicators,” the authors concluded.