HealthABC News & HeadlinesSydney researchers claim breakthrough in fight to end 'silent' heart disease
Sydney researchers have developed a new screening process using blood tests and CT scans that could detect dangerous coronary plaque before a heart attack strikes.
At 33 years old, Jennifer Tucker ate well, exercised and did not smoke. She also had a life-threatening blockage in her coronary artery.
A team at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital has developed a screening process they believe can detect coronary plaque before any symptoms appear.
The process identifies five biomarkers from a blood test, which would then prompt a CT scan referral, and has been developed using data from over 5,000 patients.
The team is seeking $8 million to run clinical trials and get screening kits into GP clinics, including in regional and remote communities around Australia.
More than a quarter of first-time heart attack patients have no known risk factors, so ask your GP about coronary plaque screening if you are concerned, even if you feel healthy.
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