The new test was more accurate than older versions, researchers said (Simon Dawson/PA) (PA Wire)
Using a new, highly sensitive blood test in A&E departments could help better diagnose and treat heart attacks, reducing the risk of further attacks or death in the future, researchers have said.
A trial led by the University of Edinburgh found that using a new test that measures troponin – a protein released into the blood after a heart injury – could reduce future heart attacks in at-risk patients by 10% after five years.
The new test was more accurate than older versions, researchers said, and those who benefited most were patients with heart muscle injuries caused by conditions such as heart failure, heart valve conditions and arrhythmias.
In the past, clinicians could have been falsely reassured by the results of the less sensitive troponin test, discharging patients that appeared to not have heart disease
Lead author Dr Ken Lee
To determine its effectiveness, the research team looked at test results for almost 50,000 people who visited 10 A&E departments across Scotland with a suspected heart attack between 2013 and 2016.
They used data service DataLoch to follow-up all patients for five years.
The team found more than 10,000 patients had high troponin levels, which indicates a heart injury, using the new test.
In our trial, introducing this test led to an impressive reduction in the number of future heart attacks and deaths seen in this at-risk group
Lead author Dr Ken Lee
Lead author Dr Ken Lee, clinical lecturer in cardiology at the University of Edinburgh, said: “In the past, clinicians could have been falsely reassured by the results of the less sensitive troponin test, discharging patients that appeared to not have heart disease.
“This new high sensitivity test is the tool they needed, prompting them to look deeper and helping them to identify and treat both heart attacks and less obvious heart problems.
“In our trial, introducing this test led to an impressive reduction in the number of future heart attacks and deaths seen in this at-risk group.”
“It is very encouraging to see that the new test trialled here is better at predicting long-term outcomes for these patients, whether they had a heart attack or a different kind of heart injury
Professor Sir Nilesh Samani
Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, medical director at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), which funded the research, said: “Medical professionals in emergency departments need the most efficient and accurate tools to look after people.
“This particularly applies to those who arrive with a suspected heart attack.
“Such a time-sensitive and life-threatening condition requires the very best diagnostic tests.
“It is very encouraging to see that the new test trialled here is better at predicting long-term outcomes for these patients, whether they had a heart attack or a different kind of heart injury. This can lead to improved care for such patients.”
News Related
-
Researchers studied people using professional social networking sites (Dominic Lipinski/PA) (PA Archive) Using professional social networking sites such as LinkedIn can trigger feelings of imposter syndrome, research suggests. A survey of LinkedIn users found interacting with the site is linked with experiences of the syndrome – a feeling of inadequacy ...
See Details:
Using sites like LinkedIn can trigger imposter syndrome, study suggests
-
-
West Africa responds to huge diphtheria outbreaks Authorities in several West African countries are trying to manage their huge diphtheria outbreaks ByCHINEDU ASADU Associated Press November 23, 2023, 2:14 PM In this handout photo released by MSF, a health worker educating a group of male patients and care givers on ...
See Details:
West Africa responds to huge diphtheria outbreaks
-
Scientists have found that some people are more likely to be diagnosed with sepsis than others (PA) (PA Wire) Researchers have found which groups of people are more likely to die from sepsis. Analysis of NHS data shows that people with certain medical conditions and deprived people have a higher ...
See Details:
Study reveals which people are most likely to die from sepsis
-
-
Several more children sickened by fruit pouches tainted with lead, FDA says U.S. health officials are reporting more cases of children sickened by fruit puree pouches that were recalled due to lead contamination ByMATTHEW PERRONE AP health writer November 22, 2023, 4:11 PM WASHINGTON — More children were apparently sickened ...
See Details:
Several more children sickened by fruit pouches tainted with lead, FDA says
-
Nevada judge rejects attempt to get abortion protections on 2024 ballot A judge has struck down an effort to enshrine reproductive rights, including abortion, in Nevada’s constitution ByGABE STERN /REPORT FOR AMERICA Associated Press November 22, 2023, 8:06 PM RENO, Nev. — A judge has struck down an effort to ...
See Details:
Nevada judge rejects attempt to get abortion protections on 2024 ballot
-
Scientists are still unraveling the mystery of why skin conditions like eczema cause people to itch. One known cause is inflammation, which gets worse as people scratch and their skin becomes damaged. But there may be another trigger for itchiness, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Cell: ...
See Details:
What causes skin to itch? New research pinpoints a previously unknown factor
-
Scientists are still unraveling the mystery of why skin conditions like eczema cause people to itch. One known cause is inflammation, which gets worse as people scratch and their skin becomes damaged. But there may be another trigger for itchiness, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Cell: ...
See Details:
Traditional media more trustworthy for science news, poll suggests
-
Scientists are still unraveling the mystery of why skin conditions like eczema cause people to itch. One known cause is inflammation, which gets worse as people scratch and their skin becomes damaged. But there may be another trigger for itchiness, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Cell: ...
See Details:
Long-term use of ADHD drugs could bring higher risk of heart diseases – study
-
Scientists are still unraveling the mystery of why skin conditions like eczema cause people to itch. One known cause is inflammation, which gets worse as people scratch and their skin becomes damaged. But there may be another trigger for itchiness, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Cell: ...
See Details:
Nutrient found in beef and dairy products found to help fight cancer
-
Scientists are still unraveling the mystery of why skin conditions like eczema cause people to itch. One known cause is inflammation, which gets worse as people scratch and their skin becomes damaged. But there may be another trigger for itchiness, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Cell: ...
See Details:
Horror as fly found inside Missouri man’s intestines
-
-
OTHER NEWS
Masking on planes isn’t as common as it was in this May 2020 photo, but it is still a good idea, especially if you are on your way to Thanksgiving ...
Read more »
In 2017, Colby, then aged 18, was diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), an infection that attacks the body’s immune system. “I was feeling nauseous, had a fever and was ...
Read more »
More free COVID-19 tests from the government are available for home delivery through the mail Americans can order four free COVID-19 tests again online ByAMANDA SEITZ Associated Press November 20, ...
Read more »
Physicians, clinic ask judge to block enforcement of part of a North Dakota abortion law Physicians and the former, sole abortion provider in North Dakota are asking a state district ...
Read more »
Police: Kentucky bank shooter wrote in journal about ease of buying assault weapon before killings The man who fatally shot five coworkers in April at a bank in Louisville, Kentucky, ...
Read more »
Google is celebrating Chinese-Australian surgeon Victor Chang on his birth anniversary for his revolutionary work pioneering modern heart transplants. On Tuesday, Google commemorated Chang with a Doodle that featured a sketch ...
Read more »
Death of a player from a skate to the neck reignites hockey's stubborn debate over protective gear The death of American hockey player Adam Johnson from a cut to the ...
Read more »