Advancing Women’s Cardiovascular Care
The Role of New Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Care
For decades, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been the leading cause of death among women, particularly those over the age of 65. However, much of what we know about CVD has been based on research focused on men, with diagnostic criteria historically centered around white males. This has led to significant gaps in how we understand, diagnose, and treat heart disease in women. As a result, women’s health has often been sidelined, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment.
With new research and advancements, thankfully, the landscape of medicine is changing, and we’re beginning to close the gap in how we assess cardiovascular risk in women. A study published in the August 2024 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine has shed new light on this issue. It tracked the cardiovascular health of nearly 28,000 initially healthy women in the U.S. over 30 years and found that by incorporating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipoprotein(a) alongside traditional LDL cholesterol measurements, we could more accurately predict long-term cardiovascular risk.
It’s important to note that the participants in this study identified as 94% white and 5% Black or other racial or ethnic groups, making the lack of diversity in this study significant. Cardiovascular risk factors and health outcomes vary considerably across different populations. This also underscores the continued systemic inadequacies in equitable health research.
Offering insights that could transform how we approach CVD in women, this combination of biomarkers provides a clearer, more comprehensive assessment, particularly for women who might not be flagged as high-risk using traditional methods alone.
Why It Matters?
Why does this matter? For one, it means that we now have the tools to identify women who are at high risk for CVD earlier and more accurately than before. This is crucial because early detection allows for earlier intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes.
This study is groundbreaking because it moves beyond the traditional focus on LDL cholesterol as the primary indicator of cardiovascular risk. By incorporating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), which measures inflammation, and lipoprotein(a), a genetically determined lipid, the researchers developed a more comprehensive and predictive model of long-term cardiovascular risk. This broader perspective allows physicians to have more in-depth conversations with their patients about how we develop and manage heart disease.
Though the research focused particularly on white women, it’s still a welcomed insight and a tool for measuring CVD risk in all women. It’s also a wake-up call for us to be more proactive in learning about and doing more for heart health. Understanding these additional biomarkers means that women can have more informed discussions with their healthcare providers about their risk and the steps they can take to mitigate it.
It also highlights the importance of personalized care.
So What Now?
Given these new insights, what should you do with this information?
For Clinicians: It’s time to consider integrating CRP and lipoprotein(a) into your cardiovascular risk assessments for female patients, particularly those who may not show elevated LDL cholesterol but could still be at significant risk. While these tests aren’t yet part of formal guidelines, they offer a more nuanced understanding of cardiovascular health and can lead to more tailored treatment plans. Additionally, be aware of insurance coverage for these tests to ensure your patients aren’t burdened with unexpected costs.
For Patients: Take this opportunity to have a conversation with your doctor about your heart health. Ask about these new biomarkers and whether they could provide a more accurate picture of your cardiovascular risk. Consider the benefits of early detection and how proactive management of your heart health can help you live a longer, healthier life.
Staying informed is one of the best ways to take control of your health. As the field of medicine continues to evolve, keeping up with new research and advancements can empower you to make decisions that support your long-term well-being.
This research marks a significant step forward in how we approach cardiovascular care for women, but it’s just the beginning. The future of medicine lies in our ability to continuously learn, adapt, and apply new knowledge.
By embracing these advancements, we can ensure that more women, from all backgrounds, receive the care they need to live longer, healthier lives. The evolution of medicine is here—let’s make sure we’re ready to meet it.
Thanks for reading ~