A simple blood test can help detect several important biological processes that are active during the months before a heart attack, suggests a study conducted by researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden. The test has the potential to predict if individuals are at an increased risk of having a heart attack within six months, potentially revolutionizing preventive treatment for cardiovascular disease. The findings address a critical gap in current risk assessment methods, which mainly rely on factors identified over long-term follow-up periods. The study’s lead author, Johan Sundstrom, emphasizes the dynamic nature of the time leading up to a heart attack and highlights the need for more targeted identification methods.
The research team analyzed blood samples from over 169,000 individuals without prior cardiovascular disease across six European cohorts. Among these participants, 420 experienced their first heart attack within six months. By comparing their blood samples with those of healthy members of the cohorts, the researchers identified approximately 90 molecules that were linked to the risk of a first heart attack. Importantly, the existing blood samples routinely collected in healthcare settings were sufficient to predict this risk.
To enhance motivation for preventive measures such as medication adherence and smoking cessation, the team also developed a user-friendly online tool that allows individuals to assess their personal risk of a heart attack within six months. By empowering individuals with this knowledge, the researchers hope to improve preventive engagement and reduce the incidence of heart attacks.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to further investigate these newly identified molecules to gain a deeper understanding and explore potential treatment possibilities. With heart attacks remaining a leading cause of death globally, these findings have far-reaching implications for public health. By harnessing the power of a simple blood test, healthcare providers can intervene preemptively and effectively address the rising prevalence of heart attacks worldwide.
