A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that an updated blood test could estimate a person’s 30-year risk of heart disease. Traditionally, doctors assess cardiovascular risk by measuring cholesterol levels, particularly LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. However, this approach overlooks other significant and often hidden risk factors.
The study, led by Dr. Paul Ridker of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, highlights the importance of additional biomarkers like lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), a type of blood fat, and C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker. Together, these markers provide a more comprehensive assessment of a person’s risk for heart disease, stroke, and coronary heart disease.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 30,000 women in the Women’s Health Study, tracking their health outcomes over 30 years. They found that higher levels of LDL, Lp(a), and CRP were strong predictors of heart disease risk, with women showing the highest levels of these markers being significantly more likely to experience severe heart health issues.
Experts stress the need for early intervention. Traditional risk factors like obesity and high cholesterol are important, but testing for Lp(a) and CRP can identify risks that may not be immediately apparent. Doctors recommend that patients in their 30s or 40s undergo this three-part blood test to detect overlooked risks early, allowing for timely medical interventions that go beyond lifestyle changes.
While the study underscores the potential of these biomarkers, it also highlights the need for further research, especially among more diverse populations. Experts caution that while the findings are promising, additional studies could refine the choice of biomarkers used to predict cardiovascular risk effectively.