This Blood Test Could Predict Heart Attack Risk Years in Advance

Blood Test Could Predict Heart Attack

Blood Test Could Predict Heart Attack:

A simple blood test could be the key to predicting heart attack risk years before symptoms show up. A doctor who is Head of Cardiology at Manipal Hospital recently shared insights into how measuring CRP (C-reactive protein) levels in the blood can identify hidden inflammation, a silent risk factor for heart attacks.

Blood Test Could Predict Heart Attack:

Heart attacks usually come with clear warning signs like chest pain and shortness of breath. However, a cardiologist explains that inflammation in the blood vessels can show up much earlier, even before any symptoms appear. The liver produces CRP, a protein, in response to inflammation.Elevated CRP levels can indicate hidden inflammation, which could increase the risk of heart problems. Normal CRP levels range around 1 mg/L, but during inflammation, it can rise to 100 mg/L or more. A more specific test, high-sensitive CRP (hs-CRP), is used to measure lower levels of inflammation, particularly in the blood vessels.

A famous cardiologist explained that normal hs-CRP levels range from 1 to 3 mg/L, indicating low to moderate risk. Levels above 3 mg/L signal a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. However, hs-CRP is not exclusive to heart-related issues; it can also indicate inflammation in other blood vessels throughout the body. For example, if someone has a common infection, hs-CRP levels may rise briefly, so it’s important to rule out infections before using hs-CRP as a heart disease marker.

Though there are no exact guidelines on when to take an hs-CRP test, it may help those not at high risk but still worried about heart health. Statins, often used to manage cholesterol, also lower hs-CRP, helping reduce heart disease risk.

Traditional risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, and obesity remain key, but doctors say tracking hs-CRP offers an early alert for heart issues, especially in those without clear risk signs. This test could be a game-changer for detecting heart disease early and preventing future complications.

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