Recently, a WhatsApp forward has been circulating Kerala with a claim that the D-dimer blood test can predict heart attacks. Medical experts, however, have debunked this claim.
Dr Manjunath CN explained that the D-dimer test was used to detect the presence of abnormal levels of fibrin-degradation in the blood, which may indicate blood clots.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Covid-19 National Task Force’s Co-Chairman Dr Rajeev Jayadevan said the poster seen in the WhatsApp forward was a hoax.
“It is a specific lab test that must be done only as directed by an experienced physician. There is no connection between the vaccine and the D-dimer test,” he asserted.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, people underwent tests to check D-dimer values to see if there were clots as Covid-19 itself had the tendency to clot blood.” Dr Manjunath explained.
The WhatsApp forward, lacked scientific backing and misrepresented the purpose of the test. Cardiologists and medical professionals expressed concern over such misinformation.
Experts emphasised that predicting heart attacks involved a comprehensive evaluation of various factors — including cholesterol levels, blood pressure, family history, and lifestyle.