Women’s heart health tests after 30: As women age, maintaining heart health becomes increasingly important. While there is no universal recommendation to begin lipid profile or inflammatory marker testing precisely at age 30, understanding heart disease risk factors and the role of such tests can provide valuable insight for many individuals, especially those with risk factors. On the occasion of World Heart Day 2024, Dr. Vibhav Sharma, Consultant and Assistant Professor, Cardiology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad highlight the importance of lipid profile and inflammatory markers.
For younger women, particularly those in their 20s and early 30s, routine testing of lipid profiles or inflammatory markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) may not always be necessary.
“However, for individuals with certain risk factors—such as obesity, a family history of heart disease, smoking, or conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure—these tests can play a role in early detection and prevention. It’s important to understand that inflammatory markers like hsCRP can reflect a variety of conditions, from minor infections to more serious illnesses. Elevated hsCRP levels do not necessarily mean heart disease, but they can indicate a state of inflammation, which is one factor linked to cardiovascular risks,” Dr. Sharma told Financial Express.com.
Therefore, these tests should be interpreted by healthcare professionals who can provide guidance based on the full clinical picture, he added.
When it comes to cholesterol management, most cardiovascular guidelines recommend lipid testing, especially for women over 40, or earlier if there are risk factors. For younger women with no major risk factors, there may not be an immediate need for testing or treatment with cholesterol-lowering medications, he revealed.
In fact, women are often protected against heart disease until menopause, around age 50, due to hormonal factors.
“Additionally, it’s crucial to approach testing cautiously in younger women who may become pregnant, as certain cholesterol-lowering medications are not safe during pregnancy,” he told Financial Express.com.
The key takeaway is that leading a heart-healthy lifestyle—by maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and managing stress, should remain the focus for prevention.
“If you’re unsure about your heart health or whether you need these tests, consulting with your healthcare provider is the best course of action. They can tailor recommendations to your specific health needs and help you understand which tests, if any, are appropriate for you,” Dr. Sharma explained.