A blood test can detect the risk of atrial fibrillation that increases chances of stroke, shows a new study.
Researchers at Lund University in Sweden along with hospitals and research institutions in the U.S. and Europe found 12 genetic variants in the human genome that are linked with increased risk for AF. The study was conducted on 27,400 participants.
"One in five people have a genetic weakness that means they have twice as high a risk of developing atrial fibrillation as those with a low genetic risk. This genetic risk is therefore one of the strongest risk factors for atrial fibrillation that we know of in people without overt cardiac disease. It increases the risk as much as high blood pressure, for example," said Dr. Olle Melander, Professor of Internal Medicine at Lund University.
The study team explained that atrial flutter raised the heart stroke risk, and might not always show symptoms. A blood test could show better risks before the condition sets in.
"In patients who are suspected of having temporary but recurrent episodes of atrial fibrillation, or in people with high blood pressure, it can be important for doctors to look at their genetic predisposition using a blood test. The test can give guidance as to how often and how intensively doctors need to screen for presence of atrial fibrillation in these individuals. We also consider that more widespread treatment of high blood pressure may be justified in those with a high genetic risk of atrial fibrillation," said Dr. Melander.
The study also found benefits associated with the diagnosis of AF.The testing reveals whether someone aged below 65 needs anticoagulants to prevent heart strokes when AF is present. Those with AF have an increased stroke risk of 70 percent if they also have the said genes, according to their findings.
The findings were published in the journal Stroke.
