The simplicity of the symbol we use to represent the heart stands in stark contrast to the complexity of the organ itself. An international team of scientists has created three-dimensional models of the heart's full structure using magnetic resonance images for over 40,000 individuals, linking unique heart shapes and genetics to cardiovascular conditions. More spherical heart shapes are associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, highlighting the connection between heart morphology and health.
We created a complete representation of each individual's heart, including both the left and right ventricles at diastole, with the heart relaxed after contraction, explains Professor Patricia B. Munroe, illustrating the depth of their technological advancement.
While other teams have extracted simple measurements from resonance images, no one had made a three-dimensional representation like this, says Julia Ramirez, underscoring the innovative achievements of the research team.
From the 40,000 MRI scans sourced from the UK Biobank, the team digitally segmented the heart images to develop 11 mathematical coordinates reflecting the heart's complete shape, encompassing size, orientation, sphericity, and thickness.
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