Top in cardiology: Composite biomarker predicts risk; processed food and heart disease

A single combined measurement of three modifiable biomarkers can predict future cardiovascular events when measured in healthy women at midlife, according to research presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress.

In a study of nearly 28,000 initially healthy U.S. women, researchers measured LDL, lipoprotein(a) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein upon enrollment and then followed up with participants for 3 decades. Researchers selected the biomarkers because they are independent of one another and can be modified with available therapies.

They found that although each biomarker individually predicted risk for events such as coronary heart disease and stroke, the most information was obtained when the biomarkers were measured together.

“While high-sensitivity CRP was a stronger predictor than LDL or Lp(a), the greatest spread in risk was obtained in models that incorporated all three biomarkers,” Paul M. Ridker, MD, MPH, director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, said during the presentation.

It was the top story in cardiology last week.

In another top story, researchers detailed possible links between high consumption of ultraprocessed food, such as processed meats and soft drinks, and increased risk for heart disease and stroke.

Read these and more top stories in cardiology below:

Measuring three factors can predict women’s 30-year risk for heart disease

A single combined measure of three modifiable biomarkers in healthy women at midlife was predictive of 30-year risk for future cardiovascular events, according to new research presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress. Read more.

Ultraprocessed foods linked to risk for heart disease, stroke

High consumption of ultraprocessed food may increase risk for heart disease and stroke, researchers reported. Read more.

Finerenone improves outcomes in patients with mildly reduced, preserved ejection fraction

In patients with heart failure and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction, finerenone reduced risk for cardiovascular death and worsening heart failure by 16% compared with placebo, researchers reported at the European Society of Cardiology Congress. Read more.

Asundexian did not prevent stroke, systemic embolism vs. apixaban in atrial fibrillation

Treatment of atrial fibrillation with asundexian, a novel factor XIa inhibitor, was associated with increased stroke and systemic embolism risk despite lower bleeding risk compared with apixaban, a speaker reported at the European Society of Cardiology Congress. Read more.

Point-of-care testing may expedite movement of patients with ACS from ED to cardiac ward

A bedside cardiac troponin test could reduce the time patients with acute coronary syndrome spend in the ED by nearly 45 minutes, with the availability of a doctor to assess the situation and move them to the cardiac ward, a speaker reported at the European Society of Cardiology Congress. Read more.