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Scientists have discovered a substance in the blood that may be useful in predicting risk for heart disease.

The substance is cystine, an oxidized form of the amino acid cysteine and an indirect measure of oxidative stress, say researchers at Emory University School of Medicine.

In a study of more than 1,200 people undergoing cardiac imaging because of suspected heart disease, people with high levels of cystine in the blood were twice as likely to have a heart attack or die over the next few years.

Riyaz Patel, a postdoctoral researcher at Emory's Cardiovascular Research Group, says when considered independently of variables such as the presence of diabetes, high levels of cystine still predicted future trouble.

Patel was part of a team led by Arshed Quyyumi, MD, professor of medicine (cardiology) at Emory University School of Medicine.

In the current study, high levels means the quarter of the group of patients with the highest levels.

The study has been presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions meeting in Orlando.

Source: AHA

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