In a groundbreaking study conducted by Uppsala University in Sweden, researchers have discovered that a simple blood test, combined with a newly developed online tool, has the potential to predict the risk of a heart attack in the next six months. This exciting development may help motivate individuals to make necessary lifestyle changes.

Heart attacks remain the leading cause of death worldwide, and it is crucial to identify high-risk individuals and ensure they receive preventive treatments. However, many at-risk individuals go unnoticed or fail to adhere to recommended preventive measures. Professor Johan Sundström, a cardiologist and professor of epidemiology at Uppsala University, along with his team, found that standard blood tests can be used to predict heart attacks, albeit with a few minor constraints.

Previous studies typically required a follow-up period of five to 10 years to verify risk factors. However, the research team wanted to focus on the dynamic nature of the period just before a heart attack occurs. They discovered that the risk of a heart attack doubles within a month after a divorce and that the risk of a fatal heart event is five times higher during the week following a cancer diagnosis.

Collaborating with researchers from other European institutions, Professor Sundström and his team hypothesized that important biological processes leading to a heart attack could be detected through a simple blood test. The team analyzed blood samples from 169,053 individuals across six European cohorts, including 420 individuals who experienced their first heart attack within the following six months. These samples were compared with blood from 1,598 healthy participants.

The researchers identified approximately 90 molecules that were linked to an increased risk of a first-time heart attack. Remarkably, the blood samples already obtained in healthcare settings are sufficient to predict this risk. This discovery may incentivize individuals to take preventive medications, quit smoking, or make other necessary lifestyle changes.

To further facilitate awareness and motivation, the research team developed an online tool, accessible to anyone, which can calculate an individual's risk of suffering a heart attack within the next six months. By providing this information, the researchers hope to motivate individuals to take immediate preventive actions.

Moving forward, the Uppsala University researchers plan to study the 90 identified molecules to gain a better understanding of their underlying mechanisms and explore possible treatment options. They also intend to conduct a new study to assess the effectiveness of the online tool in motivating individuals to take proactive measures.

With this groundbreaking research, Uppsala University is paving the way for a more targeted and personalized approach to preventing heart attacks. By identifying potential risk factors through a simple blood test and using an accessible online tool, individuals can be empowered to make positive changes and reduce their risk of a heart attack in the future.