Blood test breakthrough could identify deadly heart condition

A £50 blood test that diagnoses a potentially deadly heart muscle inflammation could be available within a year, scientists have said.

The researchers said this test would help identify those with myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle that can often be fatal – and get them early lifesaving treatment.

The test is based on research published in the journal Circulation, which showed that T-cells – a certain type of white blood cells – express a molecule called cmet in the blood, which is an indicator of myocarditis.

Professor Federica Marelli-berg, British Heart Foundation professor of cardiovascular immunology said: “Early intervention is crucial when treating myocarditis as, in some cases, it can be only a matter of weeks between the onset of symptoms and development of heart failure.

“But without a diagnosis doctors can’t offer their patients the right treatment.

“We think that this test for myocarditis could be a simple addition to the routine blood tests ordered in doctors’ surgeries.

“When viewed in combination with symptoms, the results could allow GPS to easily determine whether their patients have myocarditis.

“While we still need to confirm these findings in a larger study, we’re hopeful that it won’t be long until this blood test is in regular use.”

Myocarditis usually occurs following a viral infection.

While some people have no symptoms, in others it can cause chest pains, palpitations and shortness of breath.

Myocarditis is a difficult condition to diagnose as symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions.

It is estimated that one young person dies suddenly every week in the UK due to previously undiagnosed myocarditis.

The incidence of myocarditis is approximately 1.5 million cases worldwide per year.

The current gold standard method for diagnosis is a heart biopsy – which is invasive and risky and can sometimes still miss signs of the condition.

“Early intervention is crucial