Protein Linked to Heart Disease, Death

Even low levels of a protein in the blood are linked to a higher risk of heart disease and death, a new study finds. The study used a new test for the protein, cardiac troponin T. The test detects much lower levels than the current test. Researchers used the new test and the current test on about 3,500 adults, ages 30 to 65. Doctors also looked at people’s heart function using an MRI. The new test found troponin T in 25% of the people. The current test found it in fewer than 1%. The current test did not detect troponin T in 2 out of 3 people who had the highest levels according to the new test. People with higher levels of troponin T were more likely to have heart enlargement, heart failure or other heart or artery disease. They were also more likely to have diabetes or high blood pressure. They were much more likely than others to die during a 6-year follow-up period.