A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine says lifestyle changes and reducing LDL cholesterol are crucial to lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This knowledge puts the power of prevention in your hands.
Understanding that atherosclerosis begins early and develops over many years, a long-term strategy is crucial for preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). This knowledge instills a sense of patience and commitment to your health journey.
Elevated baseline levels of each biomarker were linked to an increased 30-year CVD risk. The adjusted hazard ratios for major cardiovascular events for those in the highest versus lowest quintiles were 1.70 for CRP, 1.36 for LDL cholesterol, and 1.33 for lipoprotein(a). When all three biomarkers were elevated, the risk was cumulative and the highest.
The study emphasized the significance of these biomarkers in forecasting long-term risk, even within a relatively healthy group with low diabetes rates and good access to healthcare. CRP, an inflammation marker, is mainly connected with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and the future onset of diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure.
Lipoprotein(a) levels, primarily determined by genetics, reflect accumulated exposure, while LDL cholesterol and CRP are variable markers that benefit from repeated testing.
This study supports the American Heart Association’s emphasis on cardiovascular–kidney–-kidney-metabolic health and its new PREVENT tool, which combines metabolic and kidney health measurements, social disadvantages, and conventional risk factors for predicting long-term CVD risk. Methods like coronary artery calcium scans offer further insights into vascular age and help direct preventative treatments.
Ridker et al.’s research underscores the importance of early and ongoing prevention efforts, particularly for women, often overlooked in CVD risk discussions. This knowledge empowers you to be proactive and responsible for your health.