Researchers develop test to detect silent heart disease

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 19:38 · Archive

Researchers are developing a screening test to detect coronary artery disease in young, healthy people with no obvious risk factors.

Researchers from Royal North Shore Hospital and the University of Sydney are developing a world-first screening regime to detect coronary artery disease in young, healthy people with no obvious risk factors. The test involves blood tests for biomarkers and CT imaging to identify the condition in its 'silent' early stages.

Cardiologists have observed an increase in heart attacks over the past decade among people without traditional risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. Interventional cardiologist Gemma Figtree said that focusing solely on known risks ignored less understood individual factors. 'Coronary disease and heart attacks also affect young, fit and healthy people - not uncommonly with the first presentation of this with sudden death,' Professor Figtree said.

Jennifer Tucker, who was 33 years old, attended the gym four times a week, did not smoke and had low cholesterol, experienced severe breathlessness while pushing a pram. Tests revealed she had a severe blockage in one of her coronary arteries, known colloquially as a 'widow maker'. She had a stent inserted in 2011 and remains well. 'I could have had a GP that day say, "You're right, I'll let you go" and push me out of the system,' Ms Tucker said. 'I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you today.'

How it is being reported

• Medical trial aims to beat 'widow maker' heart attacksWhile heart attack risks like high blood pressure and cholesterol are important to address, researchers are developing a test for other silent factors.The West Australian · 26 Oct, 19:01
• Medical trial aims to beat 'widow maker' heart attacksWhile heart attack risks like high blood pressure and cholesterol are important to address, researchers are developing a test for other silent factors.Perth Now · 26 Oct, 19:01

In this story: Jennifer Tucker · Royal North Shore Hospital · University of Sydney · Gemma Figtree · Sydney

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