Genetic blood tests can detect early risk factors for heart attack and stroke.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Medical Corps says it has begun using a new genetic blood test to detect the risk of heart attacks and strokes early, even years before they develop.

The test, which measures the concentration of lipoprotein(a), a type of fatty protein in the blood, will be offered once in a lifetime to military personnel aged 35 and older to enhance disease prevention and reduce the rate of cardiovascular disease.

Several studies have shown that elevated lipoprotein(a) levels are associated with an increased risk of heart attack, ischemic stroke, coronary artery disease, and aortic valve stenosis. (Source: The Jerusalem Post)

The widespread implementation of lipoprotein(a) testing makes the Israeli military one of the first state agencies in Israel to adopt advanced preventive medicine technology, in a context where the test is not yet included in the routine screening list of public health insurance funds.

Unlike other blood lipid levels, lipoprotein(a) levels are entirely determined by genes and are not affected by diet, exercise, or lifestyle.

Therefore, a single test is usually sufficient, except in cases where there is a family history of cardiovascular disease.

Over the past decade, several studies have shown that elevated lipoprotein(a) is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, coronary artery disease, and aortic valve stenosis.

The molecular structure of this fatty protein makes it easy for it to adhere to blood vessel walls and promote inflammation, leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

Although awareness of the test is growing and many international cardiovascular societies recommend lipoprotein(a) screening, it has not yet been widely adopted by the Israeli public health system. The Israeli military has decided to implement it on its own for all long-term service members.

Military officials stress that for long-term service members, physical and mental stress, irregular hours and stressful environments can increase cardiovascular risk, making genetic risk assessment all the more important.

Many studies on new drugs aimed at lowering lipoprotein(a) levels are underway, with plans to introduce them in the next few years.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/xet-nghiem-mau-di-truyen-co-the-phat-hien-som-nguy-co-dau-tim-va-dot-quy-336943.html