For Women, These Three Blood Biomarker Tests May Catch Heart Disease Years in Advance

By: Ruelle Fludd

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A healthy lifestyle and early detection are both key in managing heart disease but a recently published study in the New England Journal of Medicine shares that a blood test could detect risks decades in advance of a heart attack or stroke.

The study, funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, included nearly 28,000 women who gave blood samples that tested for three blood biomarkers: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), and lipoprotein(a), or LP(a). LDL is a fat that carries cholesterol around the body and is commonly known as bad cholesterol. CRP is a protein that increases in the blood when there’s inflammation, and LP(a) is a fat that increases the risk of heart disease through clotting and swelling.

After following up with the participants 30 years later, the study concluded that a combination of high levels of these three blood biomarkers can predict a heart-related emergency in seemingly healthy women. For some women, heart disease has no symptoms until a stroke or heart attack happens. These symptoms can include chest pains, shortness of breath, fatigue and pain in the neck, jaw, or throat.

Keeping track of high blood pressure, maintaining an exercise routine and healthy diet, and avoiding smoking and alcohol are just a few ways to avoid or manage heart disease. Jackson Heart Institute (JHI) offers a virtual tool called Learn Your Heart Age which can determine the risk of heart disease by using certain factors like weight, age, race, and medical history. While it isn’t a true read of cardiac health, the tool helps connect potential patients with JHI’s expert cardiologists.

JHI also offers an opportunity for community doctors to learn about cardiovascular disease through the Cardiac Symposium Series. Each session, held virtually, allows attendees to hear directly from our JHI cardiologists as they discuss types of heart disease and innovations meant to improve quality of care. Keep up to date on upcoming sessions by clicking here.

To schedule an appointment with one of our cardiologists or learn more about our services, contact us at 305-585-4564 or visit https://cardiology.jacksonhealth.org/.