New Blood Tests Predict If Someone Gets Heart Attack and Stroke Within Next 4 Years: Research

Heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases are some fatal disorders that have become really common in today’s world. Currently, genetic testing is used for diagnosing heart diseases. With the advent of new technologies like machine learning and precision medicine, new research has shown that it is possible to detect the possibility of heart attack and stroke in the next 4 years through a simple blood test. Shocked, right..!! In this article, let’s discuss the recent study done by an American company that indicates the use of blood tests to diagnose the possibility of cardiovascular diseases.

Prediction of heart attack and stroke within the next 4 years: Research

According to a study published by SomaLogic, a group of researchers from an American company, machine learning can be used to detect the possibility of heart disease in the next 4 years. The study was published in the Science translational medicine journal and was headed by Dr. Stephen Williams. The researchers designed and validated a proteomic prognostic test that can predict some major cardiovascular outcomes or death on a time scale that is consistent with the outcomes of the clinical trials. In the current study, blood samples from 22,849 individuals were collected to analyse 5000 blood plasma proteins. The team identified 27 proteins that may indicate the likelihood of stroke, heart attack or failure in the next 4 years. These 27 proteins were then validated over 11000 individuals.  This test is currently being used within the US in four healthcare systems. There is also the possibility that the UK may also accept the usage of this test.  The results of this blood test categorises people on a scale of high to low risk of development of heart conditions along with a percentage that represents the likelihood of occurrence of the disease in the next 4 years. This test can be of utmost importance as it can help in early diagnosis of the disease, thereby making an early and better treatment of the patient possible.

Takeaway 

Cardiovascular diseases are fatal and their early diagnosis can be a boon to the society and a game changer for the increasing cases of heart diseases in India. According to the current study, a machine learning based simple blood test can help in predicting the probability of a heart disease in any individual. This study has given a ray of hope to the society, making early prediction, diagnosis and efficient treatment of stroke, heart attack and failure possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is this a recent study?

   Yes, this is an extremely new study that was published on 2nd April, 2022 in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

2. Is heart disease common in India?

   According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), India is responsible for approximately one-fifth of such deaths worldwide.

3. Which cardiovascular diseases can be predicted by a blood test?

   The blood test reported in the study can predict the possibility of stroke, heart attack and heart failure in the next 4 years.