Cases in Precision Medicine: A Personalized Approach to Stroke and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Women

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Genetics
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of mortality in US women.
• Stroke ranks as the third leading cause of death for women.
• Understanding female sex-specific risk factors is crucial for effective prevention.

Observation:

• A case scenario illustrates female cardiovascular risk factors throughout life.
• Precision medicine offers a tailored approach to managing these risks.
• Recent advancements include genetic testing and polygenic risk scores.

Findings:

• Female sex-specific risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke are examined.
• A precision medicine framework for risk factor modification and primary prevention is detailed.
• The utility of genetic testing and polygenic risk scores in predicting cardiovascular events is updated.

Implications:

• This approach enhances primary prevention strategies for women's cardiovascular health.
• Personalized risk assessment using genetic data can improve stroke and CVD prediction.
• Integrating genetic insights into clinical practice can optimize cardiovascular care for women.