Technology can predict heart attacks
A new technology that can flag patients at the risk of deadly heart attacks years in advance has been developed. The technology analyses computed tomography (CT) images of the fat surrounding the arteries to detect the inflamed plaques that can cause heart attacks.
It uses a new biomarker, called the Fat Attenuation Index (FAI); the challenge for doctors is knowing which plaques are most likely to cause blockages. The team has shown that the most dangerous plaques release chemical messengers which modify the surrounding fat.
People with abnormal FAI had up to nine times higher risk of having a fatal heart attack in the next five years. Importantly, these patients would be the ideal candidates for aggressive medical therapy.