A new study suggests that a blood test measuring three factors linked to blocked arteries could reveal a woman's risk for major heart problems many years in advance.CTV News
A recent study suggests that measuring three specific blood markers in midlife could offer women a much clearer picture of their risk for serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, potentially decades before these issues arise. This approach could be a game-changer in identifying heart disease risk earlier than current methods.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States, responsible for over 310,000 deaths in 2021 alone. Despite this, many women don’t see heart disease as a major health threat. Research shows that about 80% of women aged 40 to 60 have at least one risk factor for coronary artery disease, but only half recognize it as a significant risk. The new study could help address this gap by providing an early warning system for those at risk.
The study, recently published and presented at a major cardiology conference, involved tracking nearly 40,000 women over 30 years. The researchers measured three blood biomarkers: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), and lipoprotein(a) [LP(a)]. These biomarkers are not new or expensive—each test costs between $10 and $12—but their combined predictive power is proving groundbreaking.
LDL cholesterol, commonly known as “bad” cholesterol, contributes to fatty deposits in arteries, making it a well-known indicator of heart risk. High-sensitivity CRP is a marker of inflammation in blood vessels, which can signal underlying issues before they become apparent. LP(a) is a lipid that can also contribute to artery blockages and is often inherited, making it a less obvious but significant risk factor.
The study found that these biomarkers, when considered together, could predict cardiovascular risk up to 30 years in advance. Women with high levels of all three biomarkers were nearly three times more likely to experience a major heart event and nearly four times more likely to suffer a stroke compared to those with normal levels.
Researchers found that the inflammation marker, high-sensitivity CRP, was particularly strong in predicting risk. Women with high CRP levels had a 70% increased risk of a major heart event compared to those with lower levels. Similarly, high LDL levels were associated with a 36% increased risk, while high LP(a) levels corresponded with a 33% higher risk of cardiovascular events.
Dr. Paul Ridker, who led the study, expressed astonishment at how early these biomarkers could predict heart disease. He emphasized the need for routine testing of these markers in primary care to catch risks early, suggesting that it’s "biologically silly" to start treatment in women at age 65 when similar treatments begin for men at age 50.
Despite the promising findings, the study’s authors acknowledge some limitations. The participants were mostly White health professionals, which may not fully represent the broader population. Additionally, not all doctors currently measure these biomarkers in routine checkups, which could mean missed opportunities for early intervention.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of assessing heart disease risk early in life and could lead to significant changes in how women’s cardiovascular health is monitored and managed.
