Swedish researchers have introduced a groundbreaking home test designed to swiftly identify individuals at high risk of heart attack. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the study draws from data collected through the SCAPIS population study based at the University of Gothenburg, demonstrating the test’s effectiveness comparable to traditional clinical assessments.

The home test, comprising 14 questions, requires only five to eight minutes to complete. It covers essential factors such as age, gender, weight, waist circumference, smoking habits, blood pressure levels, lipid profiles, presence of diabetes, and family history of cardiovascular disease. This comprehensive approach allows it to pinpoint nearly two-thirds of individuals aged 50-64 with significant coronary atherosclerosis, a critical precursor to heart disease.

Using a specialized algorithm, the test identifies 65% of individuals at the highest risk of cardiovascular disease, providing insights akin to those derived from blood tests and blood pressure measurements conducted in clinical settings. Professor Bergström, the lead researcher, emphasized the test’s accuracy and potential impact in healthcare settings.

“The results affirm that our home test is as precise as traditional clinic examinations using invasive methods,” Professor Bergström noted. “Widespread adoption of this test in healthcare could potentially save lives and alleviate suffering by identifying high-risk individuals early or those who are currently undertreated.”

The study analyzed data from 25,000 participants aged 50-64 enrolled in SCAPIS, utilizing computed tomography (CT) to evaluate coronary artery health by assessing atherosclerotic plaque accumulation. By correlating questionnaire responses with CT imaging, researchers identified critical risk factors associated with atherosclerosis.

Ongoing research efforts in Sweden and the United States aim to further validate the test’s efficacy across diverse demographic groups, underscoring its potential as a universally applicable diagnostic tool.

Early detection of cardiovascular risk factors aligns with the Swedish Heart Lung Foundation’s mission through SCAPIS, aimed at preemptively identifying individuals susceptible to heart disease before clinical symptoms manifest.

Kristina Sparreljung, Secretary-General of the foundation, emphasized the transformative potential of early warning systems in healthcare. “A test capable of providing timely alerts could mitigate suffering and prevent numerous fatalities,” Sparreljung affirmed, echoing optimism inspired by Professor Bergström’s groundbreaking study.

This innovative home test represents a paradigm shift in cardiovascular health management, offering a non-invasive, accessible solution to screen for heart attack risk with unprecedented convenience and reliability.