Functional decline begins years before cardiovascular disease events

A new study published in JAMA Cardiology reveals that functional decline—measured by declines in physical ability and performance—begins many years before patients experience clinically apparent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. This finding suggests that changes in a person's ability to perform daily activities may serve as early warning signs of future heart disease or stroke. Researchers tracked patients over time and found a clear temporal relationship between functional decline and later cardiovascular events. This discovery could help healthcare providers identify at-risk patients earlier and implement preventive interventions before serious cardiac complications develop.