A simple scoring system could revolutionize how doctors prevent heart attacks and strokes by identifying patients who would benefit most from preventive medications, according to a new study published in Circulation Research, as reported by the University of Reading.
The breakthrough test, known as the TRIPLE Score, measures specific proteins on blood platelets along with a patient’s age to help doctors make more informed decisions about prescribing blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and clopidogrel.
Currently, blood-thinning drugs are prescribed only to patients who have already had a heart attack or stroke, as these medications can cause serious bleeding in some individuals. Without a reliable way to predict who will benefit versus who may be harmed, doctors have been unable to prescribe these potentially life-saving drugs preventively to at-risk patients.
The test, which is not yet widely available, is being developed for eventual use at the point of care. It will then be implemented in patient studies to confirm its effectiveness in improving care.
“Despite significant progress in prevention, around 100,000 heart attacks occur each year in the UK. To reduce this number, we must find smarter ways to use drugs like aspirin. Our new test will help doctors ensure that patients receive the best treatment while maintaining their quality of life. Next, we aim to make the test even easier to use by developing a finger-prick version, making it as simple as measuring blood glucose,” said Dr. Alexander Bye, lead author of the research at the University of Reading.
