Key points from article :
Scientists are making progress in the early detection and prevention of heart disease, thanks to a long-term study that monitored thousands of women for 30 years. The research, presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, aims to identify earlier ways to detect and prevent heart disease. Paul Ridker, the study's author and director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, highlighted the significance of these findings in advancing cardiovascular disease prevention.
The study involved 27,939 healthcare providers in the US, with data collected from blood samples and medical information between 1992 and 1995. Over three decades, 3,662 participants experienced a heart attack, stroke, surgery to restore circulation, or a cardiovascular-related death. The researchers focused on three key markers: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], and C-reactive protein (CRP), which is an indicator of inflammation. Women with the highest levels of these markers had a significantly increased risk—more than 1.5 times higher for stroke and more than three times higher for coronary heart disease—compared to those with the lowest levels.
To reduce the risk of heart disease, the study suggests a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, stress management, and avoiding tobacco are crucial for preventing the buildup of harmful fats and proteins in the blood. Additionally, medications to lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation can be effective. The researchers stress that early intervention is key to improving health outcomes, emphasizing that the sooner these preventive measures are implemented, the better the long-term benefits.
