Blood test to detect deadly heart inflammation could be available within a year

The current gold standard method for diagnosis is a heart biopsy – which is invasive and risky and can sometimes still miss signs of the condition

A blood test that diagnoses a potentially deadly heart muscle inflammation could be available within a year (Simon Dawson/PA)

A blood test that diagnoses a potentially deadly heart muscle inflammation could be available within a year, scientists have said.

The researchers said this test would help identify those with myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle that can often be fatal – and get them early lifesaving treatment.