Women's Heart Disease Risks Should be Evaluated in Their 30s, Study Shows
Dr. Paul Ridker of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston presented groundbreaking research at the European Society of Cardiology annual meeting, revealing that women's heart disease risks should be assessed in their 30s rather than waiting until after menopause. The study, which included nearly 28,000 participants, demonstrated that simple blood tests can estimate a woman's risk of cardiovascular disease over the next three decades.
The findings challenge current guidelines that suggest preventive therapies should not be considered for women until their 60s or 70s. Dr. Ridker emphasized the need for a shift in thinking beyond short-term risk assessments, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
The study looked at three key biomarkers - low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and lipoprotein(a) - and found that women with elevated levels of these markers were at significantly higher risk for major cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. The results indicate that personalized treatment plans based on individual biomarker levels could lead to better outcomes for women at risk.
While drugs targeting LDL-C and hsCRP are already available, medications to reduce lipoprotein(a) levels are still in development. Lifestyle changes such as exercise and smoking cessation can also be beneficial in reducing risk.
Dr. Ridker stressed the importance of universal screening for these biomarkers, particularly among Black and Hispanic women who may have higher rates of undetected inflammation. The implications of this research are significant for women's health, highlighting the need for early intervention and personalized treatment strategies to prevent heart disease.