Simple blood test could reveal a patient’s risk of fatal heart attack in the next three years

A test to check levels of an important protein, a marker of inflammation that indicates who is most likely to die in the next three years, a study by Imperial College London suggests

A blood test has been found to predict a patient’s risk of death heart attack in the next three years.

The scientists examined people who had had a heart attack for c-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation. They also did standard tests for troponin, a protein released into the bloodstream when the heart is damaged.

Of 250,000 NHS Patients, who had elevated CRP levels and a positive troponin test had a 35% risk of dying within three years.

This finding could save thousands of lives by monitoring those at risk more closely and prescribing anti-inflammatory drugs.

Dr Ramzi Khamis, author of the Imperial College London study, said: ‘This biological red flag test coincides with other tests that identify people who are more vulnerable.

Professor James Leiper, of the British Heart Foundation which funded the study, added: ‘It is a valuable new tool in doctors’ arsenals.

• One study found that four hours of active housework a day reduced the risk of heart disease by 43 percent compared with doing less than two hours.