Researchers have discovered that a simple blood test can predict a woman’s risk of heart disease up to 30 years in advance.
By measuring two types of fats in the blood, along with a marker of inflammation called C-reactive protein (CRP), doctors can estimate a woman’s chances of developing heart-related problems, such as heart attacks or strokes, even decades later.
This research, funded by the National Institutes of Health, was recently presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2024 and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Dr. Paul M. Ridker, a key researcher and director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, emphasized the importance of these findings.
“We can’t treat what we don’t measure, and we hope these findings bring us closer to identifying and preventing heart disease earlier,” he said.
The study followed nearly 28,000 female healthcare providers in the United States who participated in the Women’s Health Study.
These women, who were on average 55 years old when the study began between 1992 and 1995, were tracked for 30 years.
During this time, 3,662 of the participants experienced serious heart-related events, such as heart attacks, strokes, surgeries to restore blood flow, or even death due to cardiovascular issues.
Researchers focused on three specific blood markers: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], and C-reactive protein (CRP). LDL cholesterol is often called “bad cholesterol” because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Lp(a) is another type of fat partly made of LDL and is influenced by genetics. CRP is a protein that increases in the blood when there is inflammation in the body.
The study found that women with the highest levels of LDL cholesterol had a 36% higher risk of heart disease compared to those with the lowest levels.
Those with the highest levels of Lp(a) had a 33% increased risk, and those with the highest CRP levels had a 70% increased risk. When all three markers were high, the risk was even more significant—more than 1.5 times higher for stroke and more than 3 times higher for coronary heart disease.
Although this study focused on women, the researchers believe that similar results would be found in men. The study highlights the important role that inflammation plays in heart disease, especially when combined with high levels of fats in the blood.
To reduce the risk of heart disease, the researchers recommend primary prevention strategies. These include regular physical activity, a heart-healthy diet, managing stress, and avoiding smoking. For those with higher risks, medications that lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation may be necessary.
While LDL cholesterol is commonly tested during routine check-ups, testing for Lp(a) and CRP is less consistent. Some countries recommend regular screening for Lp(a), especially since high levels often run in families. In the U.S., doctors may order these tests for patients with heart disease or a family history of it.
As new therapies and approaches are developed, doctors hope to offer more personalized treatments for those at risk. One such therapy, colchicine, traditionally used for gout, was approved in 2023 by the FDA to reduce heart disease risk in people with atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries.
Additional anti-inflammatory treatments are also being explored to help protect heart health.
These findings underline the importance of early detection and proactive measures to maintain cardiovascular health, potentially saving lives decades down the line.
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Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
