New Blood Test May Predict Heart Attack

A very small study has shown a possible breakthrough in the predictability of heart disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention heart disease is the leading killer in the U.S. claiming about 800,000 lives yearly.

In this new study from the Scripps Translational Science Institute, researchers found endothelial blood cells in heart attack patients were misshaped and abnormally large. These abnormal cells could be indicators of imminent heart attack. The study findings appeared in the March issue of the journal Science Translational Medicine. This was a very small study and is probably years away from commercial use.  

To predict a heart attack before it happens is not yet possible so health care professionals agree the only way to prevent heart disease is to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, exercise, refrain from smoking and enjoy a healthy diet.