Inflammation, Cholesterol & Long-Term Heart Health: What a 30-Year Study in Women Just Revealed

 I wanted to share a powerful new study from the New England Journal of Medicine that’s changing how we think about heart disease prevention in women — and it's something you absolutely should know about.

Researchers followed nearly 28,000 healthy U.S. women for 30 years (yes, 30!), looking at three specific blood markers:

• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) — a key marker of inflammation
  
• LDL cholesterol — often called the "bad" cholesterol
  
• Lipoprotein(a) — a lesser-known but genetically influenced cholesterol particle
  

What they found? Women with higher levels of any of these markers were more likely to experience major cardiovascular events — like heart attack, stroke, or needing procedures like stents — over the next three decades.

Here’s the key takeaway:
Each marker on its own predicted risk, but the strongest prediction came from combining all three. That means inflammation, traditional cholesterol, and genetics all matter — and together, they tell a clearer story of long-term cardiovascular risk.

💡 Why this matters for us:

• This study reinforces the idea that heart health isn’t just about cholesterol. Inflammation and inherited factors deserve equal attention.
  
• It supports what we already practice here at Embrace The Change — using evidence-based, individualized care to protect your long-term wellness.
  
• It’s also a call to action: Don’t wait until there’s a problem. Knowing your numbers early can help you take powerful steps to protect your heart.
  

If you’ve never had your lipoprotein(a) checked or you’re curious about your CRP levels, I’d be happy to walk you through what testing looks like — and what your results can mean for your future.

Your heart is too important to leave to chance ❤️