Washington DC: Researchers have developed an innovative approach, the 'blood-based precision medicine test', that may help detect early symptoms of heart disease in older outpatients.
The blood-based precision medicine test incorporating age, sex and gene expression score (ASGES) was helpful in evaluating older outpatients with symptoms suggestive of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), say the researchers, who carried out the study in176 stable, non-acute outpatients presenting with symptoms suggestive of obstructive CAD and who were aged 65 and older.
The participants with low scores with a low likelihood of obstructive CAD were referred for further evaluation at low rates, whereas those with higher scores had higher rates of referral to cardiology and advanced cardiovascular tests.
After one year follow-up, the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events or revascularisation was higher in participants with high ASGES than in those with low ASGES (10 percent versus 0 percent).
The study suggests that test use may reduce unnecessary referrals and the risk of procedure-related complications in individuals with low ASGES, who are unlikely to benefit from further testing, while also identifying individuals who may benefit from further cardiac evaluation and management.