Are Novel Serum Biomarkers Informative?

To justify use in routine coronary heart disease (CHD) risk assessment, a novel serum biomarker must be specifically associated with future CHD events and add information beyond techniques currently available. Current risk assessment techniques are probabilistic and imperfect; however, to date, no novel serum biomarker has improved substantially on the current population-based risk stratification approach. Although limited trial-based data are available to assess the utility of biomarkers, insights gained from biomarkers may enhance clinical decision making. Continued basic science and population-based research into CHD biomarkers may help to further the capacity for CHD risk assessment.