In a groundbreaking presentation at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2025, research has unveiled that women lacking standard cardiovascular risk factors yet demonstrating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels face heightened risks of heart-related events over the next 30 years. This compelling finding stems from the extensive Women’s Health Study.

Crucial Findings Show Increased Cardiovascular Threat!

Dr. Paul Ridker of Brigham and Women’s Hospital presented alarming data indicating that coronary heart disease and ischemic strokes occur more frequently in women with elevated hs-CRP levels. His call to action? To reconsider how we assess heart health in women who don’t present typical risk factors—a category he refers to as 'SMuRFless but inflamed.'

Ridker emphasized that these SMuRFless individuals suffer just as many heart attacks and strokes as those with recognized risk factors, representing an alarming 50% of the global cardiovascular disease burden. The reasons behind their vulnerability remain unclear, but inflammation could be a significant player.

What You Need to Know About Inflammation!

Dr. Ridker proposed that a simple measure of CRP taken during midlife could be a crucial predictor of future heart risks for seemingly healthy women lacking traditional risk factors. With inflammation becoming a potential game changer, he stressed the urgent need for medical guidelines to incorporate inflammation into heart health assessments.

His findings were corroborated by Dr. Natalie Arnold and Dr. Wolfgang Koenig, who underscored that up to 25% of initial cardiovascular events occur in the absence of recognized risk factors. They pointed out that women with no apparent risk can still present with severe heart issues, raising significant concerns.

The Statistical Breakdown: What the Numbers Say!

Analyzing data from over 12,500 women without prior cardiovascular diagnoses revealed a startling statistic: those with higher hs-CRP levels faced doubled risks for coronary heart disease compared to those with lower levels. Specifically, women with hs-CRP levels above 3 mg/L had a staggering 77% increased risk of heart disease and a 39% higher chance of experiencing ischemic strokes.

A Call for Immediate Action!

As the session wrapped up, the audience engaged, questioning when the most effective time would be to screen for hs-CRP. Ridker’s response was clear: the time is now! He advocated for universal screening as inflammation is detectable even in younger populations.

The cost-effective nature of hs-CRP measurements and the accessibility of statins further support this initiative. Ridker and the editorialists agree—the identification and management of SMuRFless individuals must be straightforward and actionable to safeguard heart health effectively.

This research not only illuminates a critical gap in current cardiovascular risk assessments but also paves the way for revolutionary changes in preventive healthcare for women.