Scientists are making significant strides toward the early identification and prevention of heart disease, thanks to a groundbreaking program that tracked thousands of women over three decades to assess their susceptibility to cardiac conditions.
This research, presented as late-breaking news at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in London and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, offers promising insights. “We hope these findings bring us closer to identifying even earlier methods for detecting and preventing heart disease,” said Paul Ridker, the study’s author and director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
The study involved collecting blood samples and medical data from 27,939 healthcare providers in the U.S. between 1992 and 1995. Over the 30-year period, 3,662 participants experienced a heart attack, stroke, circulation-restoring surgery, or a cardiovascular-related death.
Researchers measured levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker, along with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and Lp(a), a lipid component partly made of LDL. When all three markers—LDL cholesterol, Lp(a), and CRP—were evaluated together, participants with the highest levels had a more than 1.5-times greater risk of stroke and a more than three-times greater risk of coronary heart disease compared to those with the lowest levels. Although the study focused on women, the researchers expect similar findings in men.
To prevent the accumulation of these fats and proteins in the blood, the researchers emphasized the importance of regular physical activity, a healthy diet, stress management, and avoiding tobacco.
Additional preventive measures include medications to lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation. Crucially, the earlier these interventions are implemented, the better the health outcomes, even years or decades later, according to the scientists.
Scientists are advancing efforts to detect and prevent heart disease at an earlier stage, building on decades of research that monitored the health of thousands of women. This development is part of a long-term study that assessed women’s risk factors for heart disease over a span of 30 years.
The findings were unveiled at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in London and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Paul Ridker, the study’s lead author and director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, expressed optimism about the impact of this research. “We hope these findings move the field closer to identifying even earlier ways to detect and prevent heart disease,” he said.
The study collected blood samples and medical information from 27,939 healthcare professionals in the United States between 1992 and 1995. Over the next three decades, 3,662 of the participants experienced significant cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, surgeries to restore circulation, or deaths related to heart disease.
Researchers focused on three key biomarkers: C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of inflammation; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol; and Lp(a), a lipid largely composed of LDL. Their analysis revealed that participants with the highest levels of these three markers had more than a 1.5-times greater risk of stroke and over a three-times higher risk of coronary heart disease compared to those with the lowest levels. While the study exclusively involved women, the researchers believe the results would likely apply to men as well.
To combat the buildup of these harmful substances in the bloodstream, the researchers recommended a series of preventive measures. These include maintaining regular physical activity, adhering to a healthy diet, managing stress effectively, and avoiding tobacco use.
In addition to lifestyle changes, the study also highlighted the importance of medications that can lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation. The researchers emphasized that early intervention is critical; the sooner these preventive steps are taken, the better the chances of improving long-term health outcomes, potentially altering the course of heart disease years or even decades down the line.
