Neck scan may identify early warning signs of heart failure in men

A SIMPLE neck scan could help to pick up early warning signs of heart failure in men.

- BY STORM NEWTON

The method — similar to ultrasounds offered during pregnancy — is said to be safe, cheap and painless, and is something GPs could offer patients over 60, researchers said.

The scan — known as a carotid ultrasound — takes between 15 and 30 minutes and is performed using a small handheld device that is moved gently over the neck.

It allows medics to look at the flexibility of the carotid arteries, the main vessels that supply blood to the brain, face and neck.

Flexible

The large arteries are elastic, but can stiffen with certain diseases and age, leading to high blood pressure, heart failure and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

The study, led by University College London, included 1,631 men aged 71 to 92.