Is your heart in good condition? Here’s how to easily and proactively assess the risk.
Many heart attacks occur unexpectedly, but the Hertta test offers the opportunity to predict the risk years in advance with a single blood test. This test assesses the likelihood of a heart attack over the next 10 years, based on Finnish research and the latest information. The Hertta test specifically considers ceramides, the body’s lipids,…
What are ceramides and how are they related to the Hertta test?
Ceramides are lipid molecules found in the body, particularly in cell membranes. Certain ceramides can contribute to arterial narrowing and inflammation—processes directly related to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Specific forms of ceramides can indicate ongoing silent, low-grade inflammation or arterial damage in the body, which may not yet manifest as symptoms but can lead to heart attacks or strokes over time. Research has shown that high concentrations of certain ceramides can predict heart attack risk more accurately than cholesterol levels or blood pressure alone.
The Hertta test is a blood test that measures the concentrations of ceramide molecules in the blood using mass spectrometry. Based on the ceramide molecules, a risk score is calculated. The Hertta test algorithm utilizes years of research on how ceramide profiles can predict heart attack risk more precisely than traditional cholesterol tests alone. While ceramides are not new discoveries, their role in cardiovascular health has only begun to be widely recognized in recent years.
How is the Hertta test done and what does it include?
The Hertta test provides a heart risk score and a statement based on the score, as well as a diabetes risk score and a statement based on that score. The test results indicate the risk of myocardial infarction in individuals who have not been diagnosed with coronary artery disease. For patients with coronary artery disease and those on cholesterol medication, the test measures residual risk. The diabetes risk score reflects the individual’s percentage likelihood (0-100%) of developing type 2 diabetes within the next ten years.
Additionally, the Hertta test helps identify individuals who need intensified medication treatment due to a high risk of heart attack. It also detects individuals who, despite being on cholesterol-lowering medication, still have an elevated risk of heart attack and dangerous complications.
Who benefits from the Hertta test?
Heart disease patients – the test assesses the risk of a new attack.
Those with elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes.
Individuals with a family history of cardiovascular diseases (e.g., coronary artery disease).
People experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or arrhythmias.
Anyone who wants to identify hidden heart attack risks and proactively care for their heart.
Why should heart attack risk be assessed?
In Finland, about 30 percent of deaths among working-age individuals are caused by cardiovascular diseases. The earlier the risk is identified, the better it can be managed through lifestyle changes, medication, and close monitoring. Nearly half of heart attacks occur in people with normal cholesterol levels, and in up to 20% of cases, in individuals with no known risk factors. Research indicates that cholesterol measurement alone is not sufficient to determine risk. The risk may not manifest as elevated cholesterol or other known risk factors, but it can be detected with the Hertta test.
Where can I order the Hertta heart attack risk test?
You can order the Hertta test from Puhti’s online store. All Puhti tests can be ordered without a doctor’s referral.
Understand your well-being – here’s how measurement works
Choose the right test package for you
You can choose a ready-made test package, include additional tests or plan your own set of tests. All the tests can be ordered without a doctor’s referral.
Visit a location
Sample-taking is available at Mehiläinen laboratories in over 75 locations and and body measurement points are available in 24 shopping centers across Finland. The test itself takes only a few minutes.
See the results in My Journal
You can view your results quickly and easily on the Oma Puhti report. You will get an easy-to-read report of your results.
Why Puhti?
Easy, domestic and fast
High-quality service when it comes to knowledge about your own health
All tests without referral
Clear tests and competitive pricing
Personal data is stored in Finland on servers with a high security classification
