Blood test could predict who is most at risk from common inherited heart condition
Exclusive: Scientists find a way to forecast hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which affects millions worldwide
TL;DR
- A simple blood test is being developed to predict the risk of serious complications in people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
- HCM is a common inherited heart condition where the heart muscle thickens, potentially leading to heart failure or cardiac arrest.
- The test measures levels of the protein NT-Pro-BNP, which is released when the heart is working too hard.
- High NT-Pro-BNP levels correlate with poorer blood flow, increased scar tissue, and heart changes that can lead to atrial fibrillation or heart failure.
- This test could help target therapies, reduce patient anxiety, and potentially avoid unnecessary treatments for those at lower risk.
- The British Heart Foundation funded the research, which involved measuring NT-Pro-BNP levels in 700 HCM patients.