New hope on heart disease as science offers early detection, prevention

Recent research has brought new hope for the early detection and prevention of heart disease. At the European Society of Cardiology Congress in London, scientists presented groundbreaking findings from a long-term study monitoring thousands of women over three decades. The results were also published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Paul Ridker, a leading researcher and director at the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, highlighted that the study could advance the field towards even earlier detection and prevention strategies for heart disease.

The study involved analyzing blood samples and medical data from 27,939 healthcare providers in the US collected between 1992 and 1995. Over 30 years, 3,662 participants experienced significant cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and surgeries.

Key biomarkers—C-reactive protein (CRP), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and Lp(a)—were measured. The findings revealed that participants with higher levels of these biomarkers had more than a 1.5-fold increased risk of stroke and over a three-fold increased risk of coronary heart disease compared to those with lower levels.

While the study focused solely on women, the researchers anticipate similar results in men. Preventative measures include regular physical activity, a healthy diet, stress management, and avoiding tobacco. Additionally, medications to lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation can improve long-term health outcomes if administered early.