A group of researchers at Uppsala University have made a groundbreaking discovery in predicting heart attacks using a simple blood test. By analyzing the results of a standard blood test and utilizing an online tool, individuals can now determine if they are at an increased risk of experiencing a heart attack within the next six months. This tool has been developed with the aim of motivating patients to make positive lifestyle changes, as heart attacks are currently the leading cause of death worldwide and are on the rise globally.
Led by Professor Johan Sundström, the research team recognized the limitations of previous studies that focused on risk factors for heart attacks. These studies usually involved a follow-up period of five to ten years, which restricted the identification of factors that remain stable over time. However, the researchers acknowledge that the period leading up to a heart attack is highly dynamic, with various biological processes at play. They aimed to detect these processes through a simple blood test, in order to enable healthcare providers to identify individuals who are at risk of experiencing their first heart attack.
To conduct their research, the team had access to blood samples from 169,053 individuals across six European cohorts. Amongst these participants, 420 experienced their first heart attack within six months. Their blood samples were then compared to those of 1,598 healthy individuals from the cohorts. The analysis revealed approximately 90 molecules that were linked to an increased risk of a first heart attack. Importantly, the blood samples that are already routinely taken in healthcare settings are sufficient for predicting the risk.
According to Sundström, the hope is that this breakthrough will motivate individuals to take preventive measures such as adhering to medication regimens or quitting smoking. As motivation to follow preventive treatments is often low, the research team developed a user-friendly online tool that allows anyone to easily assess their risk of experiencing a heart attack within the next six months. Sundström believes that if individuals discover they have an elevated risk, they will be more inclined to take the necessary steps to prevent an impending heart attack.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to further study the identified molecules in order to gain a better understanding of their functions and explore potential treatment options. Sundström hopes to conduct a follow-up study in Uppsala to evaluate whether the online tool effectively motivates individuals to take preventive actions.
This breakthrough in predicting heart attacks using a standard blood test has the potential to revolutionize preventive healthcare. By identifying those who are at an increased risk, healthcare providers can intervene early and potentially save lives. Furthermore, the accessibility of the online tool allows individuals to take control of their own health, empowering them to make informed decisions and undertake proactive measures to reduce their risk of a heart attack.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
