Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related conditions claim millions of lives each year — more than cancer. In the U.S., cardiovascular disease kills someone every 33 seconds, and is responsible for more than 20% of all deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But what if a simple blood test could help predict heart disease decades in advance?
A recent study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital suggests that it can. Researchers followed nearly 28,000 women for 30 years to see whether certain blood markers could predict their risk of heart disease. The results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, provide strong evidence that three key biomarkers—C-reactive protein (CRP), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a))—play a crucial role in long-term cardiovascular risk.
Which blood tests predict cardiovascular disease?
Scientists have long known that high cholesterol and inflammation contribute to heart disease. This study took a closer look at how these factors affect women’s health over decades.
Women with the highest LDL cholesterol levels had a 36% greater risk of heart disease compared to those with the lowest levels. Those with the highest levels of Lp(a) had a 33% greater risk. But the most striking finding came from CRP, a marker of inflammation—women with the highest CRP levels had a 70% greater risk of developing heart disease.
When researchers analyzed all three biomarkers together, they found that women with the highest levels faced more than triple the risk of coronary heart disease and 1.5 times the risk of stroke compared to women with the lowest levels. These findings suggest that measuring multiple blood markers can provide a clearer picture of cardiovascular risk than looking at cholesterol alone.
Why this matters
Current heart disease risk assessments focus on 10-year predictions. But this study shows that a single blood test taken in midlife can predict heart disease risk 30 years later. That means doctors and patients can take action much earlier to prevent serious health problems down the road.
Although the study only assessed women, similar results would be expected in men.
Dr. Paul Ridker, the study’s lead author, emphasized the importance of early detection in an NIH Research Matters article about the study: “We can’t treat what we don’t measure. These findings move the field closer to identifying even earlier ways to detect and prevent heart disease.”
What you can do
The good news is that many steps can reduce cardiovascular risk. Regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, managing stress, and quitting smoking all help lower LDL cholesterol and inflammation. Medications like statins can also reduce LDL cholesterol, while newer treatments are being developed to target CRP and Lp(a).
Most doctors routinely measure LDL cholesterol. However, CRP and Lp(a) tests aren’t always part of standard screenings. If you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors, talk to your doctor about whether these additional tests make sense for you.
Looking ahead
This study reinforces the need for long-term prevention strategies. Blood tests can predict cardiovascular disease, and understanding these risks earlier in life can lead to better outcomes. Researchers continue to explore new treatments, including medications that target inflammation and innovative approaches to lower Lp(a).
For now, the message is clear: paying attention to your heart health today can make a big difference in the decades ahead. If you haven’t checked your cholesterol, CRP, or Lp(a) levels, it may be time to start the conversation with your doctor.
Read our web page about innovative, evidence-based human health solutions, and see our other blog posts on the topic.
