![Researchers identify biomarkers to help in diagnosis of heart condition](https://chadlaw.dnsupdate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/iStock_000054598008_Small-740x388.jpg)
16
Jan 2019
Researchers identify biomarkers to help in diagnosis of heart condition
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have identified two biomarkers which may help in the diagnosis of the most common heart rhythm disturbance condition in the UK
Atrial fibrillation (AF) currently affects around 1.6 million people in the UK, but is currently only diagnosed following a stroke.
Charity The British Heart Foundation have said the study could lead to earlier diagnosis of people with AF and pave the way towards targeted treatment.
Currently patients are screened for AF through use of an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the heart’s electrical activity.
This latest study found that two biomarkers and three clinical risk factors had a strong connection with the condition. Patients who were highest risk were male, older and had a high BMI.
Nearly 650 hospital patients took part in the research between 2014 and 2016, who had been admitted for acute illnesses. Blood samples were taken, clinical risk factors were considered and 40 cardiovascular biomarkers were looked for. All patients were also given an echocardiogram. At the conclusion of the research, two biomarkers were identified as a link to AF.
One is a protein responsible for phosphate regulation and one is a hormone secreted by the heart known as brain natriuretic peptide.
The British Heart Foundation’s Professor Metin Avkiran, said “Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke, a serious condition that causes over 36,000 deaths in the UK each year, but is often detected too late. This research has used sophisticated statistical and machine learning methods to analyse patient data and provides encouraging evidence that a combination of easy-to-measure indices may be used to predict atrial fibrillation.
“The study may pave the way towards better detection of people with AF and their targeted treatment with blood-thinning medicines for the prevention of stroke and its devastating consequences.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.
Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Freephone : 0800 304 738
- Like this ? Share with friends