Developing new, more accurate diagnostic tests for heart attack

Characterising novel, and discovering new, biomarkers of early myocardial injury (Dr Thomas Kaier)

When heart muscle cells become damaged, they release ‘biomarkers’ – molecules which ‘flag’ this damage - into the bloodstream. Measuring a molecule called troponin in a blood sample has revolutionised the way we diagnose heart attacks. But this test is not ideal – it takes a long time for troponin levels to rise after a heart attack, and it is not specific because patients who have other conditions can already have higher levels of troponin in the blood. This means this blood test is not as good at spotting people who have had a heart attack as it could be. This Clinical Research Training Fellowship will involve the development of new blood tests that help to diagnose or rule out heart attacks earlier and more accurately. The fellow will investigate a molecule called myosin binding protein C, a new biomarker that is specific to heart muscle but builds up in the blood faster and disappears more rapidly than troponin. They will also investigate tiny particles called microRNAs, to find out if they could also be new biomarkers. The fellow will compare myosin binding protein C, microRNAs and troponin in patients to find out which is best. This research may reveal a new, more accurate marker that doctors could use to diagnose heart attacks, and allow them to give the right treatment much more quickly.