Recent research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has revealed a promising approach to predicting cardiovascular disease risk in women. Presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2024 and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study demonstrates that measuring two types of fat in the bloodstream—low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]—alongside C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, can forecast a woman’s cardiovascular disease risk decades in advance.
The research, led by Dr. Paul M. Ridker of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, analyzed blood samples and health data from 27,939 women participating in the Women’s Health Study, which began in the early 1990s. Over a 30-year follow-up period, 3,662 participants experienced serious cardiovascular events. The study found that women with the highest levels of LDL cholesterol, Lp(a), and CRP had significantly increased risks for heart disease and stroke.
Specifically, women with elevated LDL cholesterol faced a 36% higher risk, those with high Lp(a) had a 33% increased risk, and high CRP levels were associated with a 70% increased risk. When all three markers were elevated, the risk for stroke more than doubled, and the risk for coronary heart disease more than tripled compared to women with the lowest levels.
These findings underscore the importance of early detection and prevention strategies. The researchers advocate for regular physical activity, a heart-healthy diet, stress management, and avoiding tobacco use. While LDL cholesterol is commonly monitored, Lp(a) and CRP screenings are less standardized, with recommendations varying by region.
In the U.S., Lp(a) testing is often reserved for individuals with a history of heart disease or a family history of it. CRP levels are also monitored based on individual risk profiles. New treatments, including anti-inflammatory therapies like colchicine, approved in 2023, offer additional avenues for managing cardiovascular risk. Overall, these insights highlight the value of comprehensive risk assessment and proactive health management in preventing cardiovascular disease.
Article written by Teraski Institute
07/08/2024
Source:
Teraski Institute
https://terasaki.org/institute/news/pr/cutting-edge-3d-prin