Staying Healthy
Seeing clogged arteries may inspire healthier habits
Research we're watching
- Reviewed by Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
If people see evidence of plaque buildup inside their arteries, it may motivate them to take better care of their hearts, new research suggests.
The study, which pooled findings from six randomized trials, included more than 7,000 people in total. Most received scans to check for plaque in the arteries of their hearts or necks. Each of the studies randomly assigned people to two groups. Half were shown their scan results; the others were either not shown their results or were not scanned. The study follow-ups lasted one to four years.
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About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
About the Reviewer
Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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