Blood test could help detect heart attack death risk

Researchers say an extra blood test on suspected heart attack patients could determine whether they are at an increased risk of dying in the next three years.

 

The test for the C-reactive protein (CRP), which helps detect inflammation and which is already used in hospitals to diagnose other conditions, could help doctors decide which patient may need more aggressive treatment and closer monitoring.

 

Doctors currently test for the troponin protein, which is released into the blood stream when the heart is damaged.  However, scientists at the National Institute for Health Research Health Informatics Collaborative and the National Heart and Lung Institute found CRP tests provided a more detailed picture.

 

Dr Ramzi Khamis, a cardiologist who led the research, said “The CRP test is not in the guidelines for a suspected heart attack yet – and therefore is not routinely ordered when a patient presents with a suspected heart attack.

 

“It may get proposed for consideration to be included in future [European] Society [of Cardiologists] or NICE guidelines, which would take all the data into account before issuing a recommendation for its routine use.”

 

Professor James Leiper of the British Heart Foundation, called the test a “valuable new tool”.

 

He said “Every five minutes, someone is admitted to a UK hospital with a heart attack, and it is estimated that there are 1.4 million people in the UK who have survived a heart attack.

 

“By better identifying which people are most at risk, this simple blood test could help to direct anti-inflammatory treatments to those who most need it.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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