Blood Test That Reveals Heart Attack and Stroke Risk in Women

In the realm of women's health, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant concern, often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Recent research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, has revealed crucial insights that could reshape the way we assess and manage cardiovascular risk in women (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Inflammation, Cholesterol, Lipoprotein(a), and 30-Year Cardiovascular Outcomes in Women

Go to source). The study highlights the importance of measuring multiple biological markers in blood samples to predict the long-term risk of major cardiovascular events. This research, presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, could be a game-changer in personalized preventive care.

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Power of Multiple Biomarkers in Predicting Cardiovascular Risk

The study, involving 27,939 initially healthy American women, examined the predictive power of three key biomarkers: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)). Each of these markers plays a unique role in cardiovascular health:

• hsCRP is an indicator of vascular inflammation.
• LDL-C is often referred to as "bad cholesterol."
• Lp(a) is a genetically determined lipid fraction.

Researchers found that measuring these markers together provided a much clearer picture of cardiovascular risk over an unprecedented 30-year follow-up period, compared to measuring just one.

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Wake-Up Call: Understanding the Risks

To evaluate the impact of these biomarkers, the research team categorized participants into five groups based on their levels of hsCRP, LDL-C, and Lp(a). The findings were stark:

• Women with the highest hsCRP levels had a 70% higher risk of major cardiovascular events.
• Those with the highest LDL-C levels had a 36% increased risk.
• Women with elevated Lp(a) levels faced a 33% higher risk.

Notably, women with elevated levels of all three markers were 2.6 times more likely to experience a major adverse cardiovascular event. The risk was even higher for stroke, with these women being 3.7 times more likely to suffer from a stroke over the next 30 years.

“This is a wake-up call for women,” emphasized co-author Julie Buring, ScD, an epidemiologist at Brigham’s Division of Preventive Medicine. The study suggests that waiting until women are older to begin heart attack and stroke prevention is far too late.

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Reducing Cardiovascular Risk in Women

The good news is that each of these risk factors can be modified through lifestyle changes and drug therapy. Previous studies have shown that lowering cholesterol and inflammation significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, new drugs that target Lp(a) and advanced anti-inflammatory agents are currently being tested for their potential to further reduce cardiovascular events.

The research strongly supports the early and aggressive use of targeted preventive interventions, particularly for women, who are often overlooked in cardiovascular disease treatment.

As we move forward, the focus on women's cardiovascular health must shift towards a more personalized approach, incorporating multiple biomarkers to assess risk and tailor interventions. While lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and smoking cessation remain essential, the future of prevention will likely include combination therapies that address inflammation and Lp(a) alongside cholesterol management. As Dr. Paul Ridker, lead author of the study, aptly noted, "Doctors cannot treat what they don’t measure." This research underlines the need for universal screening and early intervention to better protect women from the dangers of cardiovascular disease.

Reference:

1. Inflammation, Cholesterol, Lipoprotein(a), and 30-Year Cardiovascular Outcomes in Women - (https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2405182)

Source-Medindia