Promoting Heart Health through Cardiac Biomarker Tests
Heart disease is a leading cause of mortality across the globe and dominates the ranking as the most significant contributor to death worldwide. However, identifying the risk of disease onset, progression and a potential heart attack through the traditional physical examination, stress tests or ECGs may not be enough. These tests may miss the early-stage progression of heart disease or mild inflammation that can develop into serious disorders. Using advanced biomarker tests may be the answer to identifying hidden cardiac conditions and preventing adverse events such as heart attacks.
Cardiac Biomarkers
Biomarker tests provide an objective measure of biological events in the body that can indicate the presence of or risk of developing a disease. In cardiac conditions, biomarkers such as troponin, creatine kinase, and natriuretic peptides can assess the heart's function and predict a patient's prognosis.
For example, the troponin test can detect the protein troponin that leaks from damaged heart muscle cells and can help identify a recent heart attack or an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease.
Another critical biomarker is natriuretic peptide, which is released from the heart ventricles in response to increased heart pressure. Elevated levels of B-type natriuretic peptides (BNP) or N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptides (NT-proBNP) can indicate the presence of heart failure or other cardiac conditions.
Moreover, biomarker tests work in tandem with traditional tests to detect the risk and stage of heart disease. A combination of various tests such as ECGs, Troponin measure, NT-proBNP measure can help identify the presence, stage, and prognosis of coronary artery disease or heart failure. Additionally, these tests can be used as screening tools to identify heart disease in patients who may not have any symptoms. Huff et al. (2020) found that people with no risk factors, but elevated NT-proBNP levels, were more likely to develop heart failure or related cardiac disorders.
Further, cardiac biomarker tests can monitor a patient's condition over time. They provide insights into a patient's response to treatment or changes in their medical plan. These tests have been proven useful in predicting the risk of cardiac events and tracking patients post-surgery or post-acute coronary syndrome. Using a biomarker test in conjunction with regular physical examinations and stress tests can provide a complete picture of heart health.
Conclusion:
In summary, early detection and prevention of heart disease are crucial in promoting a healthy heart. Advances in biomarker technology provide clinicians with additional tools to identify cardiac conditions and monitor patients' physical health. Cardiac biomarker testing has become versatile, reliable and informative, providing healthcare providers with a tailored approach to caring for their patients. The appropriate selection and interpretation of these tests can reduce the risk of complications and avoid missed diagnoses, decrease healthcare costs, and ultimately, promote better quality of life for patients. Heart health is something that should be on everyone's mind, and knowing our risk factors and ensuring proper cardiac care is essential in living a healthy, fulfilling, and long life.
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