New blood test reduces risk of heart attacks and death in at-risk group – study

The new test was more accurate than older versions, researchers said, and those who benefited most were patients with heart muscle injuries caused by conditions such as heart failure, heart valve conditions and arrhythmias

The new test was more accurate than older versions, researchers said (Simon Dawson/PA)

Using a new, highly sensitive blood test in A&E departments could help better diagnose and treat heart attacks, reducing the risk of further attacks or death in the future, researchers have said.

A trial led by the University of Edinburgh found that using a new test that measures troponin – a protein released into the blood after a heart injury – could reduce future heart attacks in at-risk patients by 10% after five years.