Myths vs facts: Cardio Risk Check | Herz-Kreislauf Risiko-Test and allergy

The Cardio Risk Check (blood test for lipids, blood pressure, inflammatory markers) is evidence-based and recommended by guidelines for risk stratification. A myth is that it can predict allergies or be equated with an IgE test. Allergy tests (IgE) measure sensitization, which does not always equal clinical allergy – and they have no validated value for cardiovascular risk. Another myth: DNA-based heart risk scores (e.g., polygenic scores) could replace the blood test. In reality, they explain only a small fraction of variance and are not clinically actionable. Combining both tests is misleading if marketed as a 'complete picture'. Fact: Traditional risk factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes) remain the strongest predictors. Allergies may theoretically influence cardiovascular risk via chronic inflammation, but the effect is small and not diagnostically useful. For children, home allergy tests are not validated – an allergist is needed. Safety note: No test should guide treatment decisions without medical interpretation.