Empire State Review Contributor 
A new study published on November 27, 2025, has revealed a significant flaw in widely used heart-attack risk calculators, including the modern “PREVENT” tool, which is designed to assess a person’s likelihood of experiencing a cardiac event. The research found that these tools fail to flag nearly half of the individuals who go on to have a heart attack, raising serious questions about the reliability of current risk assessment models.
The study highlighted that many individuals who were classified as “low risk” by these screening measures still experienced heart attacks. This finding underscores a critical gap in the way heart disease risk is currently assessed, suggesting that existing diagnostic thresholds and guidelines may not be adequate for identifying all at-risk patients. As a result, the research calls for a reevaluation of the tools and strategies used by healthcare providers to predict and prevent heart attacks.
The implications of these findings are particularly significant for preventive medicine. Healthcare providers may need to adopt more comprehensive screening methods that go beyond the traditional risk factors, such as cholesterol levels, smoking, and blood pressure. The study suggests integrating emerging biomarkers and advanced imaging techniques to offer a more accurate and holistic view of a patient’s cardiovascular health. These additional diagnostic tools could provide a clearer picture of who is truly at risk, allowing for earlier and more targeted interventions.
For individuals, the research serves as an important reminder that maintaining heart-healthy habits remains crucial, even if a risk test yields a “low risk” score. The study reinforces the importance of lifestyle factors, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management, in reducing the risk of heart disease. While risk assessments are helpful, they should not be seen as foolproof, and individuals should not rely solely on these tests to determine their health decisions.
As heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, these findings highlight the need for ongoing research and improvements in diagnostic practices. By adopting more comprehensive risk-assessment strategies and encouraging individuals to prioritize heart health, we can move closer to preventing heart attacks before they happen, even for those who may not show obvious signs of risk.
