A recent landmark study revealed that measuring certain biomarkers in one’s blood can predict long-term cardiovascular disease risks for women.
LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) and C-reactive protein levels, when elevated, serve as strong indicators of potential heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes. The findings offer a new way to identify risks earlier than ever before.
Women’s Heart Disease is Different
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with heart valve disease, and women with the highest levels of specific blood markers were found to have up to three times the risk of experiencing heart attacks and strokes as compared to those with lower levels. This stark difference underscores the critical role these markers play in determining cardiovascular risk and points to the importance of early intervention.
Historical heart-related research excluded women, and women remain unrepresented in many clinical trials. This underrepresentation has perpetuated a poor understanding about warning signs specific to women that could increase their risk of fatality after a cardiac incident. But the new science gives hope for better, less biased outcomes by identifying biomarkers before symptoms turn serious.
Biomarkers Pave the Way for Early Detection
Early detection of biomarkers allows doctors to understand a particular patient’s health risks, opening the door to more tailored, personalized care.
Monitoring these biomarkers and advocating for regular screenings for heart valve disease are essential steps in fostering better heart health outcomes, particularly for women. By prioritizing these practices, we can move towards a more effective and inclusive model of cardiac care.
Potential for Broader Impact
Although this study centered on women, similar predictive outcomes in men, either in these biomarkers or others, are likely. Blood biomarker tests are emerging as a new standard tool for cardiovascular risk detection, benefiting patients and helping physicians provide better care.
