Two New Protein Biomarkers Linked to Heart Attack Risk
Researchers identified haptoglobin and IgA2 as predictors of adverse cardiovascular events in asymptomatic adults.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Heart Disease
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A study of 5,328 asymptomatic U.S. adults found that elevated levels of the proteins haptoglobin and immunoglobulin A2 (IgA2) are associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events. These biomarkers could eventually help doctors better identify patients at risk for heart-related complications.
Why it matters
Identifying these proteins helps clinicians better understand residual immune-inflammatory risk, potentially improving how they screen for hidden heart disease. This may change how doctors assess cardiovascular health in people who currently show no symptoms.
In a study of 5,328 adults, researchers used plasma immunoassay testing to find that haptoglobin levels of at least 1.3 g/L and IgA2 levels of at least 380 mg/L doubled the risk of major cardiovascular events compared to lower levels.
The players
Journal of the American Heart Association
A peer-reviewed publication of the American Heart Association that shares cardiovascular research and clinical findings.
The details
Researchers measured plasma levels of haptoglobin and IgA2 alongside traditional diagnostic tools like ultrasound for carotid plaque and CT scans for coronary artery calcium. These proteins appear to reflect underlying immune-inflammatory processes that contribute to subclinical atherosclerosis. By incorporating these markers, the study improved the Harrell C statistic, a measure of predictive accuracy, from 0.621 to 0.638.
Timeline
September 9, 2026: Findings were published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
4.6 years: This represents the median follow-up period for the study participants.
Health Landscape
This study aligns with ongoing efforts by the Journal of the American Heart Association research initiatives to move beyond traditional risk factors. It marks a shift toward integrating immune-inflammatory markers into the broader assessment of asymptomatic heart disease.
These findings are currently for research purposes and do not change standard clinical screening guidelines yet. It is worth discussing any persistent concerns about your heart health with your doctor, as they can recommend appropriate diagnostic testing based on your specific profile.
The takeaway
Inflammation-linked proteins may eventually serve as new signals for heart risk even in people without symptoms. Keep track of your standard cardiovascular metrics like blood pressure and cholesterol, and discuss your overall risk profile with your primary care physician.
Further reading
For more on the current methods used to screen for silent heart risks, visit Heart Disease.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medscape.
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