One-Time Blood Test May Predict Heart Risk for 20 Years
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Introduction
What if a simple blood test could tell you your long-term heart health risk? New findings suggest that checking just three markers—LDL cholesterol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and lipoprotein(a)—once in adulthood may help predict the risk of heart disease and stroke for the next 20 years.
Three Key Numbers That Matter
Many people are already familiar with LDL cholesterol, known as the "bad cholesterol." High levels are linked to heart disease. C-reactive protein is a marker of inflammation in the body, and lipoprotein(a) is a type of fat in the blood that is mostly influenced by genetics. All three are linked to cardiovascular risk, but doctors usually test only for cholesterol.
This research, based on data from over 17,000 people in the UK, found that these three markers—especially when measured together—can offer a powerful picture of future heart risk, even in people who appear healthy.
Risk Rises with Higher Levels
The study showed that people with high levels of just one of these markers had a 33% higher risk of a serious heart problem. The risk jumped to 68% with two markers elevated, and more than doubled with all three elevated. These events included heart attacks and strokes.
Importantly, the findings were true for both men and women, and the results remained consistent over a full 20-year follow-up. That’s much longer than the 10-year risk scores usually used by doctors today.
Why Inflammation and Genetics Matter
This research adds to growing evidence that heart health is influenced not only by cholesterol but also by inflammation and inherited factors. CRP shows how inflamed the body is—even without symptoms. Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), tends to stay stable throughout life and is not usually affected by diet or exercise, but it still plays a big role in heart disease risk.
This means that even people with “normal” cholesterol might still be at risk if their CRP or Lp(a) levels are high.
A Case for Universal Screening
Right now, testing for Lp(a) and CRP isn’t routine. But since all three tests are widely available and inexpensive, the researchers believe it's time to make one-time screening for these markers a standard part of adult health care.
This approach could help doctors spot people at risk early and recommend lifestyle changes or medications before any symptoms appear.
Conclusion
Heart disease is still the world’s leading cause of death, but early detection can save lives. A one-time test of LDL cholesterol, CRP, and Lp(a) could be a simple but powerful tool to guide personal prevention plans. It’s a small step that could make a big difference in long-term heart health—for both men and women.