Breast implants ‘could raise heart attack risk’

WOMEN with breast implants could be left at greater risk of heart attacks because they may block detection of symptoms, a study suggests.

Researchers found that routine tests used to diagnose cardiac problems were far less reliable in women who had undergone breast enlargement surgery.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) tests assess the rhythm and electrical activity of the heart, to detect abnormalities and determine which treatment is required.

But the new study, presented at a heart conference in Vienna, found that readings appeared to be far less accurate when women had breast implants. Researchers believe the fittings may block electrical signals.

Every year some 25,000 women in the UK have breast implants.

Researchers assessed 28 women with breast implants and 20 without, all healthy and with no known heart disease. Between 38 and 57 per cent of the scans from the implant group were interpreted as “abnormal”. Yet almost every woman was later found to be perfectly healthy.

“We think the abnormal ECG recordings were false readings due to the implants,” said lead author Dr Sok-sithikun Bun.