The older you get, the greater the risk of developing one cardiovascular disease. It happens to everyone, but for women the dangers after menopause are growing more and more significantly, to the point of leading to a real overtaking linked to mortality due to heart attack and its consequences in older ages.
Understanding who is at greatest risk appears fundamental in this sense, also to implement one targeted preventionwith particular attention to the elements that can most damage the coronary arteries and circulation. In this sense, the research now proposes a possible “indicator” of the increased risk for women. Is called anti-PC. This opportunity is highlighted by a study conducted by scientists from the Swedish Karolinska Institute, which appeared in Journal of American College of Cardiology.
If Anti-PC is low, the risks increase
Inflammation, as we know, is a fundamental parameter in the genesis of arterial lesions which can then lead toobstruction of the coronary arteries and therefore at a risk of ischemia. And it’s right on the mechanism of inflammation which focuses the observations on the new possible risk indicator. In fact, the study shows a possible association between reduced levels of a specific anti-inflammatory antibody and the risk of heart attack and coronary heart disease.
In particular, the attention of experts is focused on the reduced levels of antibodies to the fatty substance phosphorylcholine, called anti-PC. A low value of these antibodies (as happens in males) could therefore be used as a possible risk marker for cardiovascular diseases in women too, regardless of the presence of the classic elements that endanger the heart, from the increase in LDL cholesterol to hypertension, overweight, type 2 diabetes and smoking. Previously known risk factors.
The presence of the antibody, with consequent anti-inflammatory activity, could in fact play an important role in protecting against chronic inflammation which can favor the appearance of atherosclerosis.
It is necessary to discover the “acceptable” values
The study was conducted using the Swedish Mammography Cohort (SMC) and followed 932 women with an average age of 66 for 16 years. Of these, 113 women developed cardiovascular disease. The results show that women with a high level of anti-PC antibodies they had a 25 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack.
However, an important piece of information is missing. Even if the association is revealed, in fact, we are not yet able to define what the values that can be considered protective should be. And consequently we cannot yet speak of a threshold beyond which we should rise to limit the risks. This is the objective of future research.
What could change
In short, by better understanding the role of this specific risk marker for the female heart, it could modify and make it even more accurate the prevention path for the female heart. But much more information is needed, which can only come from much larger studies.
If everything goes as hoped, however, in addition to proposing greater attention in the control of risk factors in women with extremely low anti-PC values one could think of a sort of immune therapy, almost a sort of defensive “vaccination”, capable of helping women with these characteristics.
At the moment, however, nothing can be said about tomorrow. The reality remains of a condition that must however be controlled, also in light of the cardiovascular risk, often underestimated, in women. Just think in this sense of the objectives that the document establishes The Lancet Women and Cardiovascular Disease Commission. The aim is to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in the female population globally by 2030, starting from the fact that they still represent the leading cause of mortality. This requires an ideal prevention approach, case by case.
The indications contained in this article are exclusively for informational and informative purposes and are in no way intended to replace medical advice from specialized professional figures. It is therefore recommended to contact your doctor before putting into practice any indication reported and/or prescribing personalized therapies.
What’s This About Women and Heart Risk?
Ah, getting older — the joys of increasing wisdom, questionable fashion choices, and, oh yes, the delightful risk of cardiovascular disease. Just what I need in my golden years! It’s a real party, isn’t it? However, it might be more concerning for our lovely ladies out there, particularly after they’ve gone through menopause. Like clockwork, the stakes seem to rise, and we’re talking about real dangers here — think heart attacks, the unwelcome party crasher of the elderly heart.
But don’t worry! Our friends from the Swedish Karolinska Institute have found something that might help us figure out who’s at the greatest risk. It’s called anti-PC. No, not the anti-political correctness movement we often hear about, but rather a possible indicator of increased cardiovascular risk for women. And trust me, they’re not just handing out non-fat gluten-free muffins at the seminar — this study actually appeared in the prestigious Journal of American College of Cardiology. Fancy, right?
If Anti-PC is Low, the Risks Increase
Now, you may ask, “What’s the deal with this anti-PC thing?” Well, allow me to enlighten you! Inflammation is like that irritating friend who shows up uninvited and stays way too long. It contributes significantly to the development of arterial lesions, which are just a fancy term for the ‘traffic jams’ clogging up our coronary arteries — and nobody wants that! This shiny new indicator focuses on the inflammatory responses that may be creeping around in our bodies. Who doesn’t love a good immune response?
It turns out that lower levels of anti-PC antibodies are red flags too, especially for women. These anti-PC levels are as essential as knowing the difference between a good date and a total disaster. And ladies, having lower levels of these antibodies could spell bad news, especially when combined with our classic risk factors — you know, the usual suspects like increased LDL cholesterol, hypertension, and that ahem, “overly friendly” relationship with junk food.
It is Necessary to Discover the “Acceptable” Values
The Swedish Mammography Cohort, which sounds like a very health-conscious book club, followed 932 women with an average age of 66 for about 16 years. Can you imagine? Sixteen years of sipping chamomile tea while contemplating the meaning of life and our immune systems! Out of this cohort, 113 women succumbed to cardiovascular diseases. But here’s the kicker — those with higher levels of anti-PC antibodies had a 25% lower risk of heart attacks and coronary heart disease. Cheers to that!
But before we pop the champagne, let’s get real. While this association sounds promising, we still don’t know what the “acceptable” values should be. So, technically, we’re just hopeful—like a kid on Christmas Eve, staring at the presents, knowing it’s all about the one you REALLY want, but with no idea what’s in the box yet. This unanswered question is where future research needs to step up.
What Could Change
Imagine if we truly understood this anti-PC risk marker for women! We could be looking at a personalized prevention strategy stronger than an espresso shot on a Monday morning. With more data, we might develop immune therapies akin to a defensive “vaccination” to protect women with low anti-PC levels. I mean, who doesn’t want a little extra protection while they’re dodging heart disease?
But let’s take it pound by pound. Currently, we’re in “The Waiting Game” phase, not unlike a sitcom where everyone’s waiting for the punchline that just never comes. There’s still a cardiovascular risk lurking out there, especially for women, which is still largely underestimated. Let’s not forget that cardiovascular diseases remain the lead villain in the mortality saga — how romantic.
Finally, kudos to The Lancet Women and Cardiovascular Disease Commission for setting a goal to reduce the incidence of heart disease among women globally by 2030. It’s like their version of a superhero mission, and we’re all invited to join the fight!
So, there you have it! A little peek into the complexities of heart health in women. It’s a nuanced topic—let’s treat it as such! Remember, folks, this piece isn’t here as a substitute for medical advice, so please consult your doctor before trying to outrun your heart risks. Because we all know, nobody wants a surprise heart attack crashing their party.
The indications contained in this article are exclusively for informational and informative purposes and are in no way intended to replace medical advice from specialized professional figures. It is therefore recommended to contact your doctor before putting into practice any indication reported and/or prescribing personalized therapies.