Blood test breakthrough: Early detection of heart disease in women

Research conducted by Harvard scientists suggests that a single blood test may help predict the risk of cardiovascular diseases in women up to 30 years earlier. The findings, presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2024 in London, were published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine.

The goal of the study conducted by Harvard scientists and funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was to identify blood biomarkers that can aid in early detection and treatment of heart and blood vessel conditions. The scientists focused on two types of blood fats and C-reactive protein (CRP), which is a marker of inflammation.

Dr. Paul Ridker, the study's lead author and the director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, emphasized that heart diseases are largely preventable if they are detected and treated early.

However, Ridker noted that current screening guidelines often identify women at high risk too late when preventive measures should have already been implemented long ago.

The study involved more than 27,000 women participating in the Women's Health Study, which began in the 1990s and lasted 30 years. During this period, 3,662 women experienced significant cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, strokes, surgeries to restore circulation, or deaths caused by heart diseases.

Analysis of three key markers—LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), and CRP—showed that women with the highest levels of these markers had a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease. For example, women with the highest levels of LDL had a 36% higher risk of cardiovascular diseases compared to those with the lowest levels.

Interestingly, the study revealed that women who had simultaneously high levels of all three markers had more than three times higher risk of coronary artery disease compared to those with the lowest levels.

Although the study involved only women, scientists predict that similar results could be obtained in men.

Ridker emphasizes that awareness of these three biomarkers can significantly improve risk prediction, allowing for earlier and more precise medical interventions. However, it is important that patients request such tests at age 40 rather than waiting until they are 70.

Dr. Deepak Bhatt, a cardiologist from Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York, noted that intense lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, daily physical activity, and weight control, can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially with elevated levels of LDL, Lp(a), and CRP.

This study underscores the need for more comprehensive screening to detect and treat heart diseases in women earlier. As medical advancements allow for a more precise approach to prevention and treatment, patients and doctors must be aware of the importance of early interventions that can extend life and improve its quality.