American Journal for Young Scientists ยท ISSN 3068-9015
Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease: Exploring Sex-Based Variations for Improved Outcomes
Authors: Akshita Vivek
Published: July 22, 2025
Category: Biology
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with significant disparities in prevalence, diagnosis, and outcomes between men and women. This review explores the role of biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of CVD, with a particular focus on sex-specific differences. Key biomarkers, including cardiac troponins (cTn), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), microRNAs (miRNAs), and estrogen, are examined for their diagnostic and predictive value in CVD. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays have revolutionized the early detection of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and myocardial infarction (MI), yet sex-based differences in troponin levels may lead to underdiagnosis in women. BNP and NT-proBNP are critical in assessing heart failure (HF) risk, but variations in baseline levels between sexes necessitate sex-specific diagnostic thresholds. CRP, a marker of systemic inflammation, is strongly associated with increased CVD risk, with elevated levels in women often linked to hormonal fluctuations. Emerging biomarkers, such as miRNAs, show promise in early diagnosis and risk stratification, though their expression varies by sex and requires further validation. Estrogen's cardioprotective effects, particularly in premenopausal women, highlight the importance of hormonal influences on CVD risk, with the decline in estrogen levels during menopause contributing to increased CVD incidence in postmenopausal women. This review underscores the need for sex-specific biomarker thresholds and tailored diagnostic approaches to improve early detection, risk stratification, and management of CVD in both men and women. Future research should focus on validating emerging biomarkers and developing population-specific guidelines to address the cardiovascular risks faced by different demographic groups.