A 30-year study presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress has revealed that hidden inflammatory processes within the body are as significant a risk factor for cardiovascular disease as high cholesterol.
The study, which involved more than 12,000 women, explains why half of all heart attacks and strokes occur in individuals who do not exhibit standard risk factors. Inflammation can significantly increase the risk of a heart attack even when a woman has normal blood pressure, does not smoke, and maintains healthy cholesterol levels. The complexity of the issue lies in the fact that these inflammatory processes show no external symptoms and can only be detected through a specialized blood test called hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein).
Key Research Findings
Scientists monitored women for 30 years who initially showed no standard risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The study demonstrated a direct correlation with hidden internal inflammation. In the group where heart attacks or strokes were recorded, hsCRP levels were significantly higher. According to the data, appropriate therapy in patients with high inflammatory markers could reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular complications by 38%.
Why is this study important?
Currently, in many countries, measuring inflammation levels is not part of a standard medical check-up. Consequently, patients with “ideal” cholesterol levels often fail to receive necessary preventive treatment because their true health risks remain undetected.
The new research findings confirm that hsCRP testing should become an integral part of routine screening, especially for women. This would allow physicians to manage hidden threats in a timely manner—threats that are impossible to detect through traditional diagnostic analyses.
