Researchers at the University of Hong Kong have developed a blood test capable of predicting heart disease risk up to 15 years before onset [1, 2].
This development allows for the identification of high-risk individuals long before clinical symptoms appear. Early detection provides a window for preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of serious heart and circulatory problems.
The study, conducted by the university's Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, highlights different methods for assessing this risk. One approach involves a BNP test, which measures stress markers in the blood [3]. Another method utilizes an AI-powered panel called CardiOmicScore, which analyzes thousands of proteins and metabolites to estimate future risk [1].
Reports on the findings surfaced in March and July of this year [1, 2]. The research suggests that these biomarkers can serve as an early warning system for cardiovascular deterioration. By identifying these markers a decade or more in advance, physicians may be able to implement lifestyle interventions, or medical treatments, to alter the patient's health trajectory.
Medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton said the implications of the testing in a report for ABC News [3]. The research aims to shift the focus of cardiovascular care from treating established disease to preventing its emergence through precise, early-stage screening.
“The blood test can predict heart disease up to 15 years before onset”
The ability to forecast cardiovascular events 15 years in advance represents a shift toward predictive medicine. While traditional risk factors like cholesterol and blood pressure provide a current snapshot of health, these biomarkers and AI panels attempt to map a long-term trajectory. If validated in larger populations, this could change standard screening protocols for asymptomatic adults.
