Blood Tests, AI Predict Women's Heart Risks Early

A landmark study published in The New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress reveals that a simple blood test measuring three biomarkers—high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), LDL cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a)—can predict women's heart disease risk up to 30 years in advance. The study, led by Dr. Paul Ridker and involving nearly 30,000 women, underscores the need to evaluate and begin preventive treatments in women starting in their 30s rather than waiting until post-menopause. The findings suggest that women with elevated levels of these biomarkers face significantly higher risks of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, AI tools like Optimise, developed by the University of Leeds, are being trained to identify patients at risk of fatal heart problems by analyzing extensive health records. Early and precise risk assessment can enable targeted therapies, potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs by focusing on prevention.