Heart disease remains a major health concern in Pakistan and many parts of the world. Access to specialized cardiac care is often limited outside major urban centers, but early diagnosis can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.
Swedish researchers have developed an easy home test to identify individuals at high risk of cardiac arrests, also known as heart attacks, amid a growing number of cardiac patients globally.
A study published by the Journal of the American Heart Association indicates that the test’s accuracy matches that of traditional clinical methods involving blood tests and blood pressure measurements.
The University of Gothenburg’s SCAPIS study focused on people aged 50-64 and found that the home test could identify nearly two-thirds of those with significant coronary atherosclerosis.
The test comprises 14 questions and typically takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
Questions cover factors such as age, gender, weight, waist circumference, smoking habits, high blood pressure, high blood fats, diabetes, and family history of heart disease.
Based on a specialized algorithm, the test can detect 65% of individuals at the highest risk of cardiovascular disease.
By comparing people’s responses with CT scan results, researchers identified critical factors associated with atherosclerosis.
Ongoing studies in Sweden and the United States aim to further validate the test’s effectiveness across different populations.
This new study is highly promising for saving lives and reducing suffering through the early detection of heart disease.
Heart Attack Symptoms
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Pain in Other Areas (Arms, Back, Neck, Jaw, or Stomach)
- Shortness of breath
- Cold Sweat
- Nausea or Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Heartburn-Like Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Coughing
- Palpitations
Early recognition of these symptoms and the use of the home test can help individuals seek timely medical intervention, potentially saving lives.
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