Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty
10:03

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty

Published on: January 28, 2020

Biomarkers for predicting postmenopausal coronary heart disease

Ilaria Spoletini1, Cristiana Vitale, Giuseppe M C Rosano

  • 1Centre for Clinical & Basic Research, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, via della Pisana 235, Rome, Italy.

Biomarkers in Medicine
|August 25, 2011
PubMed

Insights

New biomarkers show some association with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in post-menopausal women (PMW), but do not independently predict CHD and offer only marginal improvements in risk assessment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Women's Health

Background:

  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of mortality in post-menopausal women (PMW).
  • Traditional cardiovascular risk factors are well-established, but newer biomarkers reflecting inflammation, endothelial function, and oxidative stress are gaining attention for CHD prediction in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the existing literature on biomarkers for predicting CHD specifically in post-menopausal women.
  • To evaluate the association and predictive value of novel biomarkers beyond traditional risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature review was conducted.
  • Studies investigating biomarkers for CHD prediction in post-menopausal women were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • C-reactive protein, IL-6, and Lipoprotein (a) are consistently associated with CHD risk in PMW.
  • No conclusive evidence supports a causal and independent link between these novel biomarkers and CHD in PMW.
  • The inclusion of these new biomarkers provides only a marginal improvement in cardiovascular risk prediction.

Conclusions:

  • While certain biomarkers are associated with CHD risk in PMW, their independent predictive value is limited.
  • Further research is required to validate these biomarkers and explore their relationship with hormone therapy for potential prevention strategies.

Related Concept Videos

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers01:20

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers

Cardiac biomarkers are enzymes, proteins, and hormones released into the blood when cardiac cells are injured. They are powerful tools for triaging.
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...