Written by: Alejandra Legarda - Journalist

Recent research has revealed an innovative approach to predicting heart disease risk up to 30 years in advance through a simple blood test. This method focuses on three key markers: LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], and C-reactive protein (CRP). While LDL cholesterol has long been identified as "bad cholesterol," Lp(a) is another type of lipid influenced by genetics, and CRP is a marker of inflammation in the body.

The study, which involved nearly 28,000 women, showed that those with elevated levels of these three markers had a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Specifically, women with the highest levels of LDL cholesterol had a 36% higher risk of developing heart disease, those with the highest Lp(a) levels had a 33% higher risk, and those with the highest CRP levels had a 70% higher risk. When these markers were combined, the risk of developing coronary heart disease was three times higher compared to those with lower levels.

One key point is that these markers can identify individuals at high risk, even if they do not present traditional risk factors such as obesity or hypertension. This could lead to early interventions, such as medication or lifestyle changes, to reduce the long-term risk of heart disease.

This research, presented at the 2024 European Society of Cardiology Congress and published in The New England Journal of Medicine, highlights the importance of conducting more widespread testing of these biomarkers to detect heart disease early, especially in women, who are often underdiagnosed in terms of cardiovascular risk.