Jan 29 (HeartCenterOnline) - By measuring a newly discovered inflammatory marker in the blood, doctors may be able to better predict a patient's heart attack risk, according to a new study.

An inflammatory marker (also called a biomarker) is a substance released by the body in response to inflammation somewhere in the body. Researchers have linked these biomarkers to heart attack and heart disease risks. Blood tests have been developed to test for markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) to predict heart attack risk.

However, CRP is released by the liver in response to an inflammation in the body, which can be caused by a number of factors. Researchers have identified a new inflammatory marker that may make such test more accurate in the future.

The new biomarker is called placental growth factor protein (PIGF), and appears to be released from cells within the blood vessels. Because PIGF, which occurs in both men and women, is more specific to blood vessels, doctors may be able to better predict the risk of heart attack.

In addition, the discovery of this biomarker may lead to new treatment methods. Animal studies have shown plaque formation can be reduced by blocking the effects of PIGF. More research is necessary to confirm the results of the study, published in the Jan. 28 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, before doctors can begin to screen for PIGF as an early warning sign.

For news related to this topic, see the following stories:
Hypertension may be inflammatory disease-study

For more information on this topic see the following HeartCenterOnline topic centers:
Heart Attack Center
Blood Test Center