Heart disease has long been linked to classic risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking. These contributors have shaped how doctors screen and treat patients. But a groundbreaking new study suggests that inflammation itself may be a powerful, overlooked driver of cardiovascular disease—especially in women who show none of the traditional warning signs.
Study Findings: Inflammation Without Classic Risks
The research, published in the European Heart Journal in August 2025, tracked 12,530 healthy American women who had no signs of hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking. Researchers measured their blood levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a marker that reflects chronic inflammation in the body.
Over a 30-year follow-up, women with high hsCRP were significantly more likely to suffer heart attacks, strokes, or require coronary procedures compared with those with lower levels.
Dr. Paul Ridker, MD, MPH—director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Harvard—explained that these women would typically be considered “low risk” by standard medical guidelines. “The people in this study had none of the usual warning signs, and thus would be totally missed by the risk algorithms doctors routinely use,” he said.
Why Inflammation Matters for Women’s Heart Health
Inflammation plays a role in nearly every stage of heart disease—from the buildup of fatty plaques in arteries to the rupture that triggers heart attacks.
Cardiologist Dr. Joy Gelbman of Weill Cornell Medicine said the findings aren’t surprising, noting: “Inflammation can damage blood vessel walls, promote lipid buildup, and destabilize cholesterol plaques. It’s a key driver behind cardiovascular disease progression.”
The study deliberately focused on women, who are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed when it comes to heart conditions. This makes the results even more significant, highlighting a hidden risk factor that may be silently affecting millions.
Should Women Test Their Inflammation Levels?
The findings raise an important question: should women ask for an hsCRP test even if they don’t have traditional risk factors? Experts are divided.
- Dr. Ridker believes more attention should be given to hsCRP testing. “Doctors will not treat what they don’t measure,” he said, stressing that women with elevated inflammation could otherwise slip through the cracks.
- Dr. Harlan Krumholz, a cardiology professor at Yale, urged caution. “Elevated hsCRP can cause worry, and many people with high levels never develop heart disease,” he noted. He emphasized that most cases are still explained by traditional risks like blood pressure and cholesterol.
In some cases, doctors may recommend other screening tools, such as a coronary calcium scan, which directly shows plaque buildup in the arteries.
Lifestyle Habits Still Make the Biggest Difference
Even if you don’t get your hsCRP levels checked, the same lifestyle habits that protect heart health can also lower inflammation. Experts recommend:
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly)
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats
- Getting enough sleep to support immune and metabolic health
- Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke
- Managing stress, which is linked to inflammation and cardiovascular risk
These measures not only reduce hsCRP but also improve overall cardiovascular wellness.
The Bigger Picture
This study reshapes how we think about heart disease in women. For decades, risk assessment has focused almost exclusively on cholesterol, blood pressure, and lifestyle choices. While these remain critical, inflammation may represent a hidden factor that explains why some women experience heart attacks despite appearing “low risk” on paper.
As research continues, experts expect inflammation testing to play a larger role in prevention strategies. For now, women should talk with their doctors about their personal risk profile and consider whether additional testing could be helpful.
