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New test can predict early onset of heart attacks

Early onset of heart attacks can now be predicted with the development of a new technique, according to a study.

Zee Media Bureau

Washington: Early onset of heart attacks can now be predicted with the development of a new technique, according to a study.

A team of researchers from The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have been able to identify patients at high risk of a heart attack by identifying specific cells as markers in the bloodstream.

Diseased plaques build up on the walls of blood vessels, rupture and cause inflammation in the arteries. This can obstruct the flow of blood through the arteries and cause a heart attack. During this process, the circulating endothelial cells (CECs) are also released into the bloodstream. The researchers were able to identify these cells and has been successful in distinguishing patients undergoing treatment for a recent heart attack with a healthy control group.

"The goal of this paper was to establish evidence that these circulating endothelial cells can be detected reliably in patients following a heart attack and do not exist in healthy controls—which we have achieved," said Associate Professor Peter Kuhn, who led the study. "Our results were so significant relative to the healthy controls that the obvious next step is to assess the usefulness of the test in identifying patients during the early stages of a heart attack."

The results were so significant relative to the healthy control group, that the obvious next step is to assess the usefulness of the test in identifying patients during the early stages of a heart attack, said the study published in the journal Physical Biology.

The researchers believe the technique can now be tested on patients who exhibit symptoms but are yet to experience a heart attack.

(With Agency inputs)