Lessons learned from the autopsies of U.S. soldiers who died in battle
You don't need to be old to have a blockage in your heart arteries
Coronary atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque build-up occurs in the arteries, limiting the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. It is often considered a disease of the elderly, but this assumption is both incorrect and dangerous. The incidence of atherosclerosis is increasing in younger individuals, making it crucial that we understand the true scope of the problem in order to prevent future cardiovascular disease (CVD) and related deaths. In this article, I will explore research done on the incidence of atherosclerosis in young individuals, particularly in U.S. soldiers who died in the Korean and Vietnam wars.
In the past, atherosclerosis was thought to be a disease that only affected older individuals. However, research has shown that this is not a true representation of the disease. Atherosclerosis can begin in young individuals, and a significant percentage of people who die from heart attacks do not show significant symptoms beforehand. Moreover, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found evidence that heart disease begins in childhood. This study examined autopsy reports of children between the ages of 2 and 15 who had died of accidents or other non-cardiovascular causes. The study found that almost 50% of the children had fatty streaks, which are the first stages of atherosclerosis, in their arteries.
Coronary artery disease (CAD), a type of atherosclerosis that affects the heart, is a leading cause of death worldwide. The incidence of CAD is increasing in young individuals, and this trend is a major public health concern. A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that the incidence of CAD in individuals under the age of 50 has increased significantly over the past two decades. This study found that CAD was present in 20% of young individuals who had undergone coronary angiography due to symptoms, and that these individuals were more likely to have severe CAD than older individuals.
One of the best ways to understand the incidence of atherosclerosis in young individuals is to study autopsy reports of soldiers. The Korean and Vietnam wars provided a unique opportunity to study heart disease in young individuals, as many soldiers died from trauma rather than disease. Autopsy studies of these soldiers have revealed troubling rates of atherosclerosis. One of the first studies to examine this issue was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1968. This study revealed that 77% of soldiers who died in the Korean War had evidence of atherosclerosis, with 45% having severe disease. The study concluded that atherosclerosis was prevalent in young individuals and should be considered a major public health concern.
A follow-up study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1973 examined the incidence of atherosclerosis in soldiers who died during the Vietnam War. This study revealed that the incidence of atherosclerosis had increased significantly since the Korean War. One-third of the soldiers had severe atherosclerosis, and the mean age at death was only 22 years old. The study concluded that the incidence of atherosclerosis in young individuals was alarming and that preventative measures should be taken to minimize the impact of this disease.
Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2020 examined autopsies of U.S. service members who died in Iraq and Afghanistan wars. This study found that the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) had significantly increased in this population over a short period of time, between 2005 and 2011. The authors suggest that intense deployment experience, traumatic injuries, and high levels of mental health problems may have contributed to this high rate of CAD in this population.
These studies highlight the alarming incidence of atherosclerosis in young individuals, including soldiers who should be in peak physical condition. These findings are likely to be relevant in civilian populations, as well. The high prevalence of atherosclerosis in young individuals suggests that we need a more aggressive approach to preventing CVD, beginning at younger ages than previously thought.
So, what can we do to combat this concerning trend? Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and not smoking can help prevent atherosclerosis from developing in the first place. Screening for risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol by measuring lipoprotein particles should begin at an earlier age than it has traditionally. More research is also needed to better understand the mechanisms causing atherosclerosis in young individuals, so that we can develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
In conclusion, atherosclerosis is not just a disease of the elderly. Young individuals, including soldiers, are also at risk of developing this condition. The incidence of atherosclerosis in young people is alarming, and preventative measures should be taken to minimize the impact of this disease on society. By increasing awareness and taking action to prevent and treat atherosclerosis early on, we can reduce the number of young individuals affected by CVD and improve their long-term health outcomes.
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I seem to remember hearing of examination of ancient mummies that showed coronary artery blockage in young people . Have you heard that as well?