An algorithm can accurately predict the risk of death from heart disease using information from lung cancer scans, research published on Thursday showed.
The screenings provide valuable information on the build-up of calcium in the heart and aorta which are linked to heart disease, the world’s leading cause of death.
The research was based on data from 4,451 people over two years. The method could help identify heavy smokers at risk of a heart disease-related death, the study published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging revealed.
“Lung screening studies show that heavy smokers die from cardiovascular disease as much as from lung cancer,” said lead author Bob de Vos, of the Amsterdam University Medical Centre.
“But we also see that some people with very high calcium scores survive, while others with low scores do suffer from major cardiac events. The work offers a direction for future research to precisely pinpoint which calcifications are dangerous.”
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Day 4, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Not much was expected – on Sunday or ever – of Hasan Ali as a batsman. And yet he lit up the late overs of the Pakistan innings with a happy cameo of 29 from 25 balls. The highlight was when he launched a six right on top of the netting above the Pakistan players’ viewing area. He was out next ball.
Stat of the day – 1,358 There were 1,358 days between Haris Sohail’s previous first-class match and his Test debut for Pakistan. The lack of practice in the multi-day format did not show, though, as the left-hander made an assured half-century to guide his side through a potentially damaging collapse.
The verdict As is the fashion of Test matches in this country, the draw feels like a dead-cert, before a clatter of wickets on the fourth afternoon puts either side on red alert. With Yasir Shah finding prodigious turn now, Pakistan will be confident of bowling Sri Lanka out. Whether they have enough time to do so and chase the runs required remains to be seen.
