High Cholesterol May Increase the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Women, a New Study Finds

Every morning, Patricia Martinez laces up her running shoes and embarks on a familiar ritual around her suburban neighborhood in Los Angeles. At 52, she embodies vitality, juggling a career and an active lifestyle as a volunteer coach for her local youth running club. However, her cheerful exterior hides a potential ticking time bomb: an elevated level of lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), which could substantially increase her risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). New findings underscore the urgent need for awareness and screening, especially in women like Patricia, who regard themselves as healthy.

The Hidden Threat: What Is Lp(a)?

Lp(a) is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol in the bloodstream. Unlike the more widely understood low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), known as “bad cholesterol,” Lp(a) levels are significantly influenced by genetics, making them largely resistant to lifestyle changes. According to a recent study conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and published in JAMA Cardiology, elevated Lp(a) can dramatically raise the long-term risk of cardiovascular issues, even in women who consider themselves otherwise healthy.

• The study analyzed data from the Women’s Health Study: 39,876 women participated to explore cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention.
• Follow-up data revealed: Over 30 years, 3707 major cardiovascular events were recorded.
• Key findings: Women with Lp(a) levels over 30 mg/dL showed an increased risk of major cardiovascular events.

A Wake-Up Call for Women

Dr. Ask T. Nordestgaard, a lead author of the study, remarked, “Our findings highlight how robust a predictor elevated Lp(a) levels are for long-term CVD risk, particularly in healthy women. We advocate for routine screening to identify those who could benefit from preventive measures.” With cardiovascular diseases posing a severe threat—responsible for 32% of all deaths worldwide in 2022—early detection and intervention are paramount.

The Longitudinal Study

The Women’s Health Study, initiated in 1993, included comprehensive health data from participants. Researchers collected baseline plasma Lp(a) levels, categorizing them as follows:

• Less than 10 mg/dL
• 10 to less than 30 mg/dL
• 30 to less than 60 mg/dL
• 60 to less than 90 mg/dL
• 90 to less than 120 mg/dL
• Above or equal to 120 mg/dL

As the years progressed, researchers meticulously followed the health outcomes of these women, documenting their incidents of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths attributed to cardiovascular complications. Strikingly, the data revealed a correlation: women with Lp(a) levels above 30 mg/dL experienced an alarming rise in the incidence of cardiovascular events.

Why Routine Screening May Be Essential

Health experts, including Dr. Jennifer Wong, a cardiologist from MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute, argue for incorporating Lp(a) testing into regular health checkups. “Given that lipoprotein(a) elevations can affect up to 25% of the global population, screening could have significant implications for preventive healthcare,” she asserted. Even so, individuals like Patricia, who maintain active lifestyles and adhere to heart-healthy diets, may still carry the genetic burden of elevated Lp(a), translating into increased vulnerability.

Managing Risk Factors

While Lp(a) levels are primarily genetically determined, researchers highlight that women can still minimize their overall cardiovascular risk. Dr. Nordestgaard stated, “People should focus on controlling traditional risk factors, such as LDL cholesterol levels, blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.”

He also emphasized the potential of newly emerging therapies. “Several Lp(a)-lowering drugs are currently undergoing tests for cardiovascular prevention,” he noted. However, these have yet to be approved for clinical use, leaving women like Patricia reliant on lifestyle changes for management.

The Path to Awareness and Action

The study’s findings could serve as a critical turning point in the discussion around women’s cardiovascular health. As Patricia continues her morning runs, she reflects on the newfound need for vigilance. “I always assumed I was in great shape. Knowing that I might have a hidden risk makes me want to dive deeper into understanding my health,” she says.

As conversations about cholesterol and heart health evolve, it is clear that nuanced insights about Lp(a) could rewrite the narrative of cardiovascular disease prevention. Experts encourage women, particularly those with a family history of heart disease, to become proactive participants in their healthcare journeys. “Awareness is the first step,” Dr. Wong concludes. “A heart-healthy lifestyle can significantly improve cardiovascular outcomes, regardless of lipoprotein levels.”

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com