Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming over 600,000 lives annually and costing over $108 billion each year due to lost productivity, medication, and healthcare services. But there could be a breakthrough in predicting heart disease risk. A new study suggests that a simple blood test might help doctors identify patients at risk.
Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute have discovered that measuring the level of a compound known as trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) in the stomach can indicate the likelihood of future heart problems. They found that higher levels of TMAO are linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.
Traditionally, doctors have relied on factors like smoking, cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure to assess heart disease risk. However, they’ve never had a blood test that can provide such specific insight into a patient’s risk as TMAO might.
TMAO is formed when the body breaks down dietary choline (found in foods like eggs) and carnitine (found in red meat). This compound affects how cholesterol is processed in the body, making it more likely to stick to blood vessels and harder for the liver and intestines to eliminate. Because TMAO levels are influenced by diet, those who eat a lot of red meat often have higher levels.
Researchers believe that this new blood test can help identify people who need preventative care the most. By adjusting their diet, individuals could potentially lower their TMAO levels and reduce their risk of heart disease.
The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, highlighted a clear link between TMAO levels and heart disease risk. People with the highest TMAO levels were 2.5 times more likely to experience heart-related conditions like heart disease, stroke, or heart attack compared to those with the lowest levels.
Furthermore, TMAO might also contribute to atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart.
To combat high TMAO levels, the American Heart Association recommends a diet low in sugar, fat, and dairy, and rich in heart-healthy foods. Vegetarians generally have the lowest TMAO levels.
While more research is needed, these findings give hope that we could significantly improve our ability to prevent heart disease in the future.