Study Links Insulin Resistance to Increased Risk of Aortic Stenosis in Men Over 45

New research identifies insulin resistance as a significant and modifiable risk factor for the world's most common heart valve disease.

A large Finnish study of over 10,000 men aged 45 to 73 found insulin resistance to be a predictor of aortic stenosis (AS), independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers identified biomarkers such as fasting insulin, proinsulin, and serum C-peptide as significant indicators of AS risk, even after adjusting for factors like BMI and blood pressure.
Aortic stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve narrows and restricts blood flow, can lead to heart failure if untreated and is often asymptomatic for years.
The study emphasizes the potential for managing metabolic health, including improving insulin sensitivity through weight control and exercise, to reduce AS risk in aging populations.
While the study's strengths include its large cohort and long follow-up period, its findings are limited by the focus on male participants and the relatively low number of AS cases observed.