This home test can detect your risk of heart attack in five minutes
Swedish researchers have developed a home test that identifies those at high risk of heart attack as accurately as traditional methods.
Swedish researchers have created a quick and easy home test to identify high heart attack risk. A study found the test is as accurate as traditional blood tests and blood pressure measurements.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, used data from the SCAPIS population study, based at the University of Gothenburg, and showed that the home test could identify nearly two-thirds of people aged 50-64 who have severe coronary atherosclerosis, a major risk factor for heart disease.
How does a blood test work?
The home test includes 14 questions and takes five to eight minutes to complete. It asks about factors such as age, gender, weight, waist circumference, smoking, high blood pressure, high blood fats, diabetes, and family history of heart disease.
Using a special algorithm, this test can detect 65% of individuals at highest risk of heart disease.
“The results show that our home test is as accurate as clinic testing using blood tests and blood pressure measurements,” Professor Bergström said.
“Making this test widely available in the health service could save lives and prevent suffering by identifying people at high risk of heart attack or those currently being treated for it,” the expert said.
More information about the study
The study is based on data from 25,000 individuals aged 50-64 years included in SCAPIS. The participants’ coronary arteries were examined using computed tomography (CT) to assess the degree of atherosclerosis (deposition of fat, cholesterol and other substances in and on the walls of arteries).
By comparing heart images with completed questionnaires, researchers identified key factors associated with atherosclerosis.
They are now conducting further studies in Sweden and the United States to evaluate the test in different groups.
Identifying people at risk before the disease occurs is the Swedish Heart Lung Foundation’s main focus with SCAPIS.
“A test that can provide early warning could save many lives and prevent much suffering. The results of Professor Bergström’s study are extremely promising,” said Christina Sparreljung, secretary general of the foundation.
