Urine Test Can Predict Heart Attack and Stroke Risk, Experts Say
A simple urine test, costing approximately $6, could significantly improve the early detection of heart attack and stroke risk, according to health experts.
A simple urine test, costing around £6, is being recommended by experts as a vital tool for predicting the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They advocate for wider availability of this test, suggesting it should be as routine as a cholesterol check for individuals at risk. Many general practitioners currently do not offer the test, prompting calls for patients to request it.
Growing evidence indicates that weakened kidneys are a primary contributor to severe heart complications. Despite this, the National Health Service (NHS) is noted for not consistently testing at-risk patients. The test in question measures albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in urine.
"Having raised ACR levels can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke by more than a third," stated Dr. Mark Thomas. This metric provides a crucial insight into kidney function and its correlation with cardiovascular health.
Experts believe that millions of individuals could benefit from this screening. Early identification of elevated ACR levels allows for timely interventions that could prevent serious cardiovascular events.
The emphasis on this urine test highlights a potential gap in current cardiovascular risk assessment protocols, suggesting that a more proactive approach involving routine ACR testing could save lives by enabling earlier treatment and management of underlying conditions.