Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women globally, but historically, there have been disparities in diagnosing cardiovascular disease in women due to different or no symptoms compared to men. A study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that measuring three different biological blood markers can better predict a woman’s risk of having a major cardiovascular event over the next 30 years compared to measuring only one biomarker. The lead author of the study, Paul M Ridker, emphasized the need for early intervention and prevention, as heart disease in women remains under-diagnosed and under-treated. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, analyzed data from the Women’s Health Study funded by the NIH, which has been following female health professionals aged 45 years and older since 1993.
The primary endpoint of the Women’s Health Study was a participant having their first major cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, stroke, or death from heart-related issues. The study found that screening for three biomarkers – hsCRP, LDL-C, and Lp(a) – could help identify women at a higher risk of cardiovascular events. Ridker stressed the importance of universal screening for these biomarkers in addition to the standard LDL screening. The data showed that women with the highest levels of hsCRP, LDL-C, and Lp(a) had an increased percentage of risk of having a major cardiovascular event over the next 30 years. Furthermore, participants with elevated levels of all three biomarkers were significantly more likely to have adverse cardiovascular events.
Ridker highlighted the importance of addressing specific biological issues that contribute to heart disease and emphasized the need for early screening and preventive therapies. He emphasized the need to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach and tailor interventions based on individual risk factors. The study showed that early detection of elevated biomarkers in women in their 30s and 40s could lead to the initiation of preventive measures such as dietary changes, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and drug therapy. Ridker proposed that universal screening for these biomarkers at a young age could help prevent heart disease in women over the long term.
Nicole Weinberg, MD, a board-certified cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, discussed the importance of advanced lipid tests such as lipoprotein (a) in assessing cardiovascular risk factors in women. She emphasized the need for more widespread use of these tests to identify individuals at increased risk and to implement appropriate interventions to modify those risks. Weinberg highlighted the complexity of cardiovascular risk factors, emphasizing the importance of early identification and modification of risk factors to prevent cardiovascular events. She stressed the importance of addressing all aspects of the risk factor “pie” and the need to adopt a proactive approach to managing cardiovascular health.
Overall, the study underscores the critical need for improved screening and early intervention strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease in women. By measuring multiple blood biomarkers and addressing specific biological processes associated with heart disease, healthcare providers can better identify women at risk and tailor preventive measures accordingly. The research supports the idea of moving towards a more personalized approach to cardiovascular health care, focusing on individualized risk assessment and interventions to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in women over the long term.
