## No Fortune Teller Needed A new high-sensitivity test that detects the protein troponin in the blood has been developed by Abbott. This blood test helps identify individuals at higher risk of developing future heart issues, including heart failure or cardiovascular disease — even fatal events such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or ischemic stroke. > The STAT High Sensitive Troponin-I test can predict the likelihood of a heart attack or other heart conditions months or even years in advance. ## Elementary, My Dear Watson Troponin-I proteins are released from the heart and can be detected in the blood when the heart muscle is damaged due to restricted blood flow. Because the test can detect even very low levels of troponin, it can be used to assess cardiovascular risk in people who have no current symptoms of heart disease. ## A Proactive Strike Traditionally, when evaluating the risk of heart disease, doctors consider factors like cholesterol levels, blood pressure, overall health, and lifestyle. But numerous studies have shown that adding a cardiac-specific biomarker like troponin provides significantly more accurate predictive information. This allows physicians to identify high-risk patients early and create personalized treatment plans that greatly reduce the chance of a serious or fatal event.