What if you could predict your risk of future heart-related events such as heart attack and stroke simply by getting a blood test? Recent research suggests it may be easier than you think to determine heart disease risk, especially if you’re a woman.

The research used data from the Women’s Health Study over 30 years and found that measuring three markers in the blood was a good predictor of future cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. Here’s what these three markers are and how they may play a role in assessing future heart disease risk:

• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) – This protein indicates inflammation in the body and was found to be the strongest predictor of future heart-related events like heart attack and stroke. The research showed that women with the highest levels of hsCRP had a 70% higher risk of a major cardiovascular event. To lower hsCRP naturally, exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet with a focus on plant-based foods. Medications may also help lower inflammation to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
• Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) – This is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. Women with the highest levels had a 36% greater risk of having a serious cardiovascular event. LDL-C is a well-known risk factor of heart disease and is included in current guidelines for assessing heart disease risk. Lifestyle habits such as exercise and eating a low-fat diet can help reduce levels. Statin medications can also help.
• Lipoprotein(a) or LP(a) – Only about 10% to 20% of people have high levels of this type of fat in their bodies, but women with the highest levels had a 33% higher risk of a major heart-related event. You only need to have this marker checked once in your life because you either have high levels of this fat or you don’t. If you do, medications may help lower levels of LP(a).

Current guidelines from the American Heart Association rely on these factors to assess heart disease risk:

• Cholesterol – including total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides
• Blood pressure
• Blood glucose
• Body weight/BMI
• Lifestyle habits such as exercise, diet and smoking
• Family history of heart disease

LDL cholesterol is the only marker noted in the study that is part of the current guidelines for assessing heart disease risk. It’s easy to get information about the other two risk factors – hsCRP and LP(a) – from a simple blood test. However, you’ll likely have to ask for these markers to be checked, since doctors do not routinely do so. Knowing about all of these markers provides a more comprehensive picture of heart disease risk than evaluating one marker alone. This information should also be considered along with other factors affecting your heart health, including family history and lifestyle factors.

To better understand your future risk of a heart-related event such as a heart attack or stroke, ask your doctor about being tested for LDL-C, hsCRP and LP(a). There’s no need to wait until you’re a certain age or you have possible symptoms of heart disease to get tested. Lifestyle habits such as exercising regularly, following a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking help lower everyone’s risk. If your numbers are elevated, it becomes even more important to embrace these healthy habits as early as possible. Medication may also be needed to reduce some risk factors.

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