Researchers have developed an at-home questionnaire that is capable of assessing an individual's risk of a heart attack in just five minutes, according to a newly published study.

The assessment could even provide the same level of accuracy as blood tests and blood pressure measurements, according to the researchers.

The questionnaire consists of 14 questions relating to factors including age, gender, weight, waist circumference, smoking, high blood pressure, high blood fats, diabetes, and a family's history of cardiovascular disease.

According to the study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, by integrating the respondent's answers into a special algorithm, the test can identify 65 percent of individuals at the highest risk of cardiovascular disease.

"A heart attack often comes out of the blue," Göran Bergström, study lead and professor of clinical physiology at Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, said in a statement.

"Many of those who suffer heart attacks are apparently healthy and asymptomatic, but have fatty deposits in the coronary arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Our test makes it possible to identify almost two-thirds of people aged 50–64 who have significant coronary atherosclerosis and are therefore at high risk of cardiovascular disease."

The study utilized data from 25,000 individuals enrolled in a population study at the University of Gothenburg. Each participant underwent coronary artery examination through computed tomography, which visualizes the extent of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fats and cholesterol on the artery walls.

By comparing participants' questionnaire responses with their heart image, the researchers identified factors most strongly associated with atherosclerosis.

The scientists have now expanded their investigation in Sweden and incorporated data from the U.S. to try and assess how the test works across diverse populations.

"The results show that our home test is as accurate as a clinic examination using blood tests and blood pressure measurements," Bergström said. "If we can make the test widely available within healthcare, it can save lives and prevent suffering by helping us to identify those who are at high risk of heart attack or who are currently undertreated."

Kristina Sparreljung, secretary-general at the Swedish Heart Lung Foundation, described the study findings as "extremely interesting," emphasizing that it could be a test that can provide early warnings that would help many people.

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