New Blood Test Identifies People at Risk for Heart
Attack That Other Tests Miss
Gamma-prime fibrinogen test may be used in
conjunction with cholesterol test to better predict who is most likely
to suffer from a heart attack
April 19, 2010 - A simple blood test can identify
people who are at risk for a heart attack, including thousands who don't
have high cholesterol, according to researchers at Oregon Health &
Science University in Portland. The new test measures gamma-prime fibrinogen, a
component of the blood's clotting mechanism.
Elevated levels indicate
greater likelihood of a heart attack, even when other signs don't point
to cardiovascular trouble, says David H. Farrell, Ph.D., professor of
pathology in the OHSU School of Medicine and a member of OHSU's Heart
Research Center. The results were recently published in Clinical
Chemistry.
"Half a million people suffer fatal heart attacks
each year," Farrell says. "About 250,000 of the patients who die have
normal cholesterol and some of the patients with normal cholesterol also
have elevated levels of gamma-prime fibrinogen. We think this is another
risk factor that we should test for."
Farrell and his team confirmed the effectiveness of
the gamma-prime fibrinogen test by analyzing 3,400 blood samples from
the landmark Framingham Heart Study, the oldest and most prestigious
cardiovascular disease study in the world. In addition, OHSU's analysis
of the Framingham samples found that patients with well-established
heart attack risk factors, including cholesterol, high body mass index,
smoking and diabetes also have elevated gamma-prime fibrinogen levels.
"We found that if your gamma-prime fibrinogen
levels were in the top 25 percent, you had seven times greater odds of
having coronary artery disease," Farrell says.
A small pilot study in 2002 gave OHSU researchers
their first inkling that gamma-prime fibrinogen might be linked to heart
disease. They obtained the Framingham samples – which are rarely shared
– and proved the link. The next step is using the test at several
hospitals and medical centers to demonstrate it works on a large scale.
"It will take some time to build consensus within
the field of cardiology for this test," Farrell says. "The gamma-prime
fibrinogen test would be used in conjunction with a cholesterol test to
better predict who is likely to suffer a heart attack. Ultimately we are
optimistic we can identify people who are at risk who didn't know they
are at risk."
OHSU has filed a provisional patent application for
a gamma-prime fibrinogen test. Farrell and his colleagues also have
formed a company called Gamma Therapeutics, Inc. to mass-produce the
assay. OHSU has a process in place to review and manage the individual
and institutional conflicts of interest that may arise through its
start-up companies.
The gamma-prime fibrinogen research was sponsored
by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National
Institutes of Health.
About OHSU
Oregon Health & Science University is the state's
only health and research university, and Oregon's only academic health
center. OHSU is Portland's largest employer and the fourth largest in
Oregon (excluding government). OHSU's size contributes to its ability to
provide many services and community support activities not found
anywhere else in the state. It serves patients from every corner of the
state, and is a conduit for learning for more than 3,400 students and
trainees. OHSU is the source of more than 200 community outreach
programs that bring health and education services to every county in the
state.
Oregon Health & Science University
Keep up with the latest news for senior citizens, baby
boomers
April 19, 2010 - A simple blood test can identify
people who are at risk for a heart attack, including thousands who don't
have high cholesterol, according to researchers at Oregon Health &
Science University in Portland. The new test measures gamma-prime fibrinogen, a
component of the blood's clotting mechanism.