A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine presents a new approach to routine blood tests that can predict a person’s 30-year risk of heart disease. In addition to assessing LDL cholesterol levels, the study found that analyzing levels of lipoprotein (a) and an indicator of inflammation can provide important predictors of heart attack, stroke, and coronary heart disease risk. These findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in 2024.
The research was conducted on nearly 30,000 women in the Women’s Health Study, where participants with high levels of LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), and C-reactive protein had a higher risk of heart disease over the next three decades. The study suggests that testing for lipoprotein (a) and C-reactive protein can help identify less obvious risk factors for heart disease, especially in individuals with no traditional risk factors like obesity or high blood pressure.
The study also highlights the importance of early intervention and recommends running a comprehensive blood test in patients in their 30s or 40s to catch potentially overlooked risk factors. While lifestyle interventions are crucial, individuals with elevated levels of lipoprotein (a), LDL, and C-reactive protein may require medication as well. However, the study had limitations, including lack of racial and ethnic diversity among participants, which may impact the accuracy of the findings. Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of using these biomarkers in predicting cardiovascular disease risk, particularly for individuals traditionally considered low risk.
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