Cardiac and diabetes risk assessment test Hertta

A cardiac and diabetes risk test (Hertta), available from Mehiläinen’s laboratories, can predict your risk of a heart attack or diabetes in the next few (1–10) years. The test is based on a single blood sample. Timely information can be used to reduce the risks through changes in lifestyle or medication, close monitoring and other measures. The sooner a risk is identified, the more you can mitigate it.

The cardiac risk test, developed in Finland, also provides a reliable prognosis for those who have no known risk of coronary artery disease. Studies show that the Hertta risk test measures the risk of a heart attack and related death more accurately than any of the current laboratory tests for cholesterol or lipids or other tests commonly used in such risk assessments.

The Hertta risk test is a ceramide test (CERT). CERT stands for Coronary Event Risk Test.

The Hertta risk test is especially useful for anyone with a family history of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or predisposing risk factors. The test is also suitable for those who want to take care of their heart health and control their risk of diabetes.

The test is also useful for patients with coronary artery disease, for whom the risk of a new cardiac event can be assessed. There are an estimated 180,000 people with coronary artery disease in Finland. The results of the test can be used to make changes to medication and increase monitoring, which reduces the risk of heart attacks and death. Other risk reduction measures may also be considered.

There are an estimated 660,000 people at risk of coronary artery disease in Finland. The risk is not necessarily visible as elevated cholesterol or other known risk factors, but can only be detected with the risk test. There are approximately 300,000 people with type 2 diabetes in Finland and, in addition, about 150,000 people have diabetes without knowing it. The risk can be reduced through lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, being physically active, adopting a healthy diet and managing stress.

1. Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death, accounting for 30% of all deaths. The earlier the risk is identified, the better the possibility of managing the risk.
2. Every ten minutes in Finland, someone has a heart attack due to coronary artery disease, and about 30 people die of coronary artery disease every day.
3. Almost half of heart attacks occur in people with normal cholesterol levels, and up to 20% of cases involve people without any known risk factor.
4. According to the latest research data, cholesterol testing alone is not sufficient to determine the risk. The risk may not be visible as elevated cholesterol or other known risk factors, but may be determined with the Hertta test.