In a recent experience attending the World Heart Summit organised by the World Heart Federation, I changed my usual scientific event perspective to engage with policy makers, global leaders, and advocates and discuss the importance of national CVD strategies and cardiac biomarkers in improving outcomes for patients and health systems.
Within the medical community, it’s well known that cardiac biomarkers such as N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high sensitive Troponin (hsTn) are critical to support clinical decision in case of heart failure (HF) and coronary artery disease (CAD).3,4 However, even with the appropriate evidence, these tools are still underused in some parts of the world, thus preventing people at risk of developing cardiac disease from getting the best care they need, and contributing to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) being the number one killer worldwide.5
While timely detection is essential to preventing CVDs and their devastating consequences, almost half of the global population lack access to lifesaving diagnostics.6 This number increases to more than 80 percent in low- and lower-middle income countries.7
The need for national cardiometabolic strategies
Although we have the technology available to improve CVDs management, about 80 percent of people diagnosed with heart failure are only diagnosed and initiate treatment after being admitted to an emergency room.8 Establishing national CVD strategies focused on prevention and early detection is pivotal to expand access to timely diagnosis and allow people to benefit from improved care.
This also requires looking at the hurdles from a systemic level and implementing action plans that help strengthen laboratory network systems and prepare healthcare professionals to effectively use the diagnostics tools available.
Why do we need to take part in policy discussion as clinicians and laboratory professionals?
As experts, we have a role in helping policy makers to understand the value of diagnostic data and leverage existing tools to implement programs that address local hurdles and increase equitable access to innovation. This also includes prioritising investments and funding in healthcare and preventions, moving from sick care to health care.
It depends on our collective commitment to unite our voices and advocate for the changes we want to see for our patients, community, and societies worldwide. Meeting the World Health Organization global goals of reducing premature mortality from cardiovascular and other non-communicable diseases (WHO SDG 3.4) is possible and also depends on us taking an active role in partnering with patient groups, industry and governments to shape effective pathways for people to enjoy longer and healthier lives.
About Professor Aakre
Professor Kristin Moberg Aakre is a medical doctor who has been board-certified in laboratory medicine since 2009 and completed her Ph.D. in 2011 (University of Bergen). She is PI of several large research trials mainly focusing on diagnostic and prognostic properties of cardiac biomarkers, with a particular focus on acute coronary syndrome. Currently, she chairs the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry Committee on Clinical Application of Cardiac Markers, and has participated in several national and international working groups within laboratory medicine.
