Saliva test could help detect heart failure early
Australian researchers have created a simple saliva test that can flag heart failure by detecting a protein called S100A7.
In a small initial study, the test picked up heart failure with about 81% accuracy—no needles needed, just a quick spit sample, though current versions may still require laboratory equipment.
How the test works
The team engineered synthetic proteins that latch onto S100A7, which shows up at double the usual levels in people with heart failure.
Catching this early could mean faster treatment and healthier outcomes, just from a quick spit sample.
Why this matters
Heart failure is a huge global issue—affecting 64 million people—and often goes undiagnosed because symptoms look like normal aging.
Current tests are pricey and not always available, especially outside big cities.
Next steps for researchers
Researchers want to test this on more people and make it widely available, especially in places where medical resources are limited.
Down the road, they hope to use this approach for spotting other diseases too.