A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that a simple blood test to measure troponin would be a good indicator of whether a patient is at risk for a heart attack.
“Troponin is a real barometer of heart health. If its level increases, the cardiovascular risk also increases. But if the level goes down, it’s a good sign” explains Prof. David Newby, head of the chair of Cardiology at the University of Edinburgh (Great Britain).
This test, whose results are obtained in 30 minutes, would allow doctors to determine whether their patients should benefit from medication or lifestyle changes to protect their heart. Currently, it is performed in the hospital to determine if a person who comes to the emergency room with cardiovascular problems had a heart attack.
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In a trial of 3,000 men with high cholesterol but no history of heart disease, researchers from the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow found that high troponin levels could accurately predict the risk of heart disease. a heart attack even 15 years later.
“The problem with heart disease is that it is very difficult to detect the early signs in people without symptoms. The troponin test will help doctors identify those seemingly healthy people who have silent heart disease.” adds the doctor.
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