Heart attack risk can be determined through simple blood test

The discovery can save hospitals and patients billions each year

Recent research published in The Lancet indicates a simple blood test can determine whether people suffering from chest pains are at risk of having heart attack. According to the study, all doctors need to do is check the amount of troponin -a protein in the blood- is present in each patient's blood.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Thousands of people are spending up to 24-hours in hospitals as they wait for costly test results regarding chest pains, but according to a Telegraph UK report, scientists at the University of Edinburgh found that the level of the regulatory protein composite troponin is directly related to the risk of having a heart attack. 

Researchers checked blood samples of 6,000 people around the U.S. and Scotland, who were admitted in four hospitals. After following each patient's progress for over 30 days, scientists found a heart attack was unlikely for those with a low level of troponin in their blood.

"These findings could dramatically reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and provide substantial cost savings for healthcare providers," said study lead author, Dr. Anoop Shah.

Millions are spent by National Health Services, which could be avoided through a simple blood test. Around 400,000 patients could be sent home immediately from hospitals. However, current tests employed in most hospitals are only to determine whether the patient suffered from heart attack, not if they will. 

Only about 188,000 people suffer heart attacks every year, which has tripled after 2 decades, compared to the large number admitted to emergency rooms due to chest pains.

An individual was found at a very low risk of a life-threatening heart attack if (s)he had a high sensitivity troponin-concentration of less than 5 nanograms per liter.

"It can be a devastating blow to learn you've had a heart attack. We'd much rather be able to rule this diagnosis out early and prevent unnecessary stress and an overnight stay in hospital. This research has highlighted a quick way to rule out a heart attack in A&E. With further results from this clinical trial we hope to have enough evidence to change clinical guidelines to ensure more accurate diagnosis of heart attacks," said co-author Dr. Atul Anand.

"A faster, more accurate diagnosis of whether chest pain is caused by a heart attack would be better for patients and save the NHS money. We want to ensure no heart attack diagnosis is missing but we equally don't want to see people go through unnecessary tests and spend extended periods in hospital unless it is essential.

"No-one wants to be in hospital unless they have to be," said Professor Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, which funded the research. The organization said that the test should be introduced across the NHS soon.

Prof. Pearson added, "What's important about this study is that the evidence shows you can quickly and confidently rule out a heart attack without compromising patient safety."

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