what they said (Hover the mouse cursor over underlined words for more info)

Predicting whether someone will have a heart attack or stroke within the next four years could be as simple as taking a blood test.

A study of nearly 1,000 people with stable coronary heart disease found those with the highest levels of a protein linked to stretched or stressed heart muscle were nearly eight times more likely to die or to have a heart attack, stroke or heart failure than those with the lowest levels.

The findings held after all other risks factors, such as high blood pressure, were taken into account...

The original article can be found at: http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=95782319-488c-4081-9fca-5caf038cbd0b

how did it rate? (more information)

what we said (Hover the mouse cursor over underlined words for more info)

This article details how there are biomarkers, molecules, which can predict the presence and severity of heart disease even when other standard tests have not shown this.

Highlights were that this article mentioned the evidence supporting the claim that this test will be effective in determining heart disease.

It also mentions that this test is still in the experimental stage, however this leaves a lot unanswered. The cost to the public as well as the availability is unknown, (and we don't know if the test is available in Canada) but more importantly, possible harms from this test are completely unmentioned. It would be useful to know how well the biomarkers compares to cholesterol levels, and which test might be more effective?

public forum

voice your opinion in the forum

• All comments and feedback submitted to Media Doctor are subject to editorial approval before being made viewable by the public. It may take up to a week for your comments to be approved. Additionally, no response will be given to questions posed in public comments. Media Doctor does not provide medical advice, or answers to medical questions posed by the public.
• If you provide your email address it will not be displayed to the general public.
• Comments may be edited by Media Doctor to remove defamatory or sensitive statements, and brand names.
• Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).