Summary: One-Time LDL-c, hs-CRP, and Lp(a) Testing Predicts Long-Term MACE Risk
Summary: One-Time LDL-c, hs-CRP, and Lp(a) Testing Predicts Long-Term MACE Risk
Source: European Heart Journal
Published: April 10, 2025
DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf209
Key Findings :
1. Study Population:
• 17,087 initially healthy European adults (men and women) from the EPIC-Norfolk study.
• Enrolled between 1993–1997 with median follow-up of 20.5 years.
2. Objective:
• Assess whether a one-time measurement of LDL-c, hs-CRP, and Lp(a) predicts future major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
3. Primary Outcome:
• First occurrence of MACE, defined as fatal/nonfatal coronary artery disease or ischemic stroke.
4. Sex Differences in Risk:
• Men had higher MACE risk from all biomarkers compared to women.
• Example (LDL-c): Men HR 1.91 (Hazard Ratio,see definition below*) vs. Women HR = 1.46
5. Combined Biomarker Risk:
• 1 elevated biomarker: HR = 1.33.
• 2 elevated biomarkers: HR = 1.68.
• All 3 elevated: HR = 2.41
7. Conclusion:
• A single, one-time measurement of LDL-c, hs-CRP, and Lp(a) is a strong predictor of long-term MACE risk in healthy individuals.
• Authors advocate for universal screening using these 3 biomarkers for both primary and secondary prevention.
https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf209
*What is HR “Hazard Ratio”?
The Hazard Ratio (HR) is a measure used in medical research to compare the risk of an event happening (like heart attack, stroke, or death) between two groups over time. How to interpret it:
• HR = 1.0 → No difference in risk between the two groups.
• HR > 1.0 → Higher risk in the group being studied.
(e.g., HR = 1.50 means 50% higher risk)
• HR < 1.0 → Lower risk in the group being studied.
(e.g., HR = 0.75 means 25% lower risk)
Example:
If a study reports that people with high LDL-c have an HR of 1.78 for stroke, this means they have a 78% higher risk of having a stroke compared to those with low LDL-c.
