New Cardiovascular Risk Marker Identified in Older Women

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have uncovered a potential new marker for predicting cardiovascular disease risk in older women. In a study recently published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, they found that low levels of an anti-inflammatory antibody, known as anti-PC, are associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and coronary heart disease.

The study addresses a historically overlooked area of women's cardiovascular health. While cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women, most research has focused on men. This new study followed 932 women, with an average age of 66, over a 16-year period. It found that women with higher levels of the anti-PC antibody had a 25% lower risk of developing coronary heart disease and heart attacks, indicating that anti-PC may serve as an independent risk marker for cardiovascular disease in women.

This finding is significant because it sheds light on the differences in how cardiovascular disease affects women. Women often experience cardiovascular problems later in life compared to men and tend to have additional risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes. The anti-PC antibody, known for its protective role against atherosclerosis, could help identify those at higher risk.

The researchers suggest that further studies are needed to determine the threshold levels of anti-PC that might be protective. Ongoing research aims to establish a more precise risk level for both men and women, potentially leading to better cardiovascular disease prediction tools in the future. Additionally, the findings could contribute to the development of a vaccine designed to increase anti-PC levels in individuals with low levels, which may reduce their risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.