Saliva test could replace blood test for heart failure

Research on a new non-invasive method of screening for the ‘silent killer’, heart failure, by testing saliva instead of blood being developed at QUT, has received a $75,000 Heart Foundation Vanguard Grant.

Associate Professor Chamindie Punyadeera from QUT’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI) said the aim of the research project was to produce a test that was quicker and easier to administer.

“The beauty of saliva is that you don’t need trained medical staff to collect a sample. You can monitor your heart health in your own home, using non-invasive technology,” Professor Punyadeera said.

“I am investigating ways to test saliva samples for the presence of a protein called Galectin-3, a biomarker specific for heart failure and whether it can be used to predict complications or the need for hospitalisation.

“If the test finds elevated levels of Galectin-3 it could indicate the person needs medical attention.

“Using an e-health system, people with heart failure could be able to email the data from their saliva test to their GP who could advise them on medication levels, saving a trip to a heart specialist.”

Professor Punyadeera said heart failure was the inability of the heart to pump blood around the body.

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