Gene May Predict Heart Disease

Gene test for heart disease may reduce need for angiogram

There is a new genetic test that has just been developed that can tell doctors whether the patient has heart disease or not. The test isn't perfect yet, but it is thought that once the test has been perfected, it should be able to replace doctors having to do angiograms on patients. The test right now is just a simple blood test to show which patients doctors should be giving angiograms to.  The test is meant for non-emergency patients, meaning patients that don't think they are currently having a heart attack, but maybe patients that have been experiencing a little bit of chest pain, enough to concern them to see a doctor. The reason for this is because the test results take three days to arrive.

The test is a good idea if they can perfect it to being more accurate. It would save patients the stress of going through an angiogram.  It would also save patients a lot of money. Angiograms cost around $30,000. This new genetic test cost just over $1000.

I believe this genetic test, if perfected, will be a good idea. It not only will save patients the time and money on an angiogram, but also, if detected early enough, it will give people the time to possibly prevent a heart attack. People will know that they have an extremely high risk for having heart disease and if the those that test positive choose too, they can take the necessary steps to leading a healthier life.