Swedish scientists have made a breakthrough with a home test that can reveal the risk of a heart attack in just five minutes, offering hope for early detection. The simple questionnaire, which boasts the same accuracy as blood tests and blood pressure readings, was developed by researchers at the University of Gothenburg and has been published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
The study’s lead, Professor Goran Bergstrom, highlighted the stealthy nature of heart attacks, stating: “A heart attack often comes out of the blue. Many of those who suffer heart attacks are apparently healthy and asymptomatic, but have fatty deposits in the coronary arteries, known as atherosclerosis.”
He further explained the efficacy of the new test: “Our test makes it possible to identify almost two-thirds of people aged 50 to 64 who have significant coronary atherosclerosis and are therefore at high risk of cardiovascular disease.”
This innovative test comprises 14 questions and takes between five to eight minutes to complete, covering key factors such as age, gender, weight, waist circumference, smoking habits, high blood pressure, family history of cardiovascular disease, high blood fats, and diabetes.
By inputting the answers into a specially designed algorithm, the test can pinpoint 65% of individuals at the highest risk of cardiovascular disease. Prof Bergstrom emphasised the reliability of the test, saying: “The results show that our home test is as accurate as a clinic examination using blood tests and blood pressure measurements.”, reports Gloucestershire Live.
He remarked: “If we can make the test widely available within healthcare, it can save lives and prevent suffering by helping us to identify those who are at high risk of heart attack or who are currently undertreated.”
The research, drawing on data from 25,000 individuals aged between 50 and 64 as part of SCAPIS, involved a thorough examination of participants’ coronary arteries using computed tomography, offering insights into the extent of atherosclerosis.
By cross-referencing heart images with participant questionnaires, the team pinpointed factors most closely associated with atherosclerosis levels. Further studies are underway in Sweden and the US to assess the test’s efficacy across diverse populations.
The Swedish Heart Lung Foundation, which prioritises SCAPIS, aims to detect risks before disease onset. Secretary-General Kristina Sparreljung commented: “A test that can provide early warnings would save many lives and a great deal of suffering.”
She added, “The results of Professor Bergstrom’s study are therefore extremely interesting.”
The list of questions includes queries about your alcohol consumption, your height, weight and waist size, your weight when you were 20, any recent history of coughing, your medical history including conditions like diabetes, cancer and gluten intolerance, your exercise routine, your sleep pattern, your financial situation, your employment status, whether you smoke, and if you experience pain while walking.