Emerging Epigenetic Biomarkers Enhance Prediction of Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Recent research has identified over 100 novel epigenetic biomarkers that could significantly improve the prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Published in Circulation, this study indicates that these biomarkers, which are chemical modifications on DNA known as methylation marks, can provide insights into an individual’s cardiovascular health status. The discovery stems from an extensive analysis involving more than 10,000 participants across diverse cohorts, including the CARDIA, Framingham Heart, and MESA studies.

Building on previous findings that long-term cardiovascular health leaves detectable epigenetic signatures, researchers explored whether these markers could serve as early indicators of disease and mortality risk. They analyzed over 440,000 DNA methylation sites and identified 609 markers strongly associated with cardiovascular health, with 141 potentially playing a causal role in conditions such as stroke, heart failure, and gestational hypertension.

Importantly, the study found that these epigenetic markers could independently predict future cardiovascular events and mortality, beyond traditional risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol. Individuals with favorable methylation profiles experienced up to 32% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, along with reduced mortality rates.

The findings suggest that routine blood tests assessing DNA methylation could offer a comprehensive view of a person’s health history, enabling earlier and more precise preventive interventions. The research team emphasizes the potential to integrate these biomarkers into clinical practice, possibly through developing cost-effective blood tests suitable for primary care. Such advancements promise to refine risk stratification and promote personalized healthcare strategies.

This groundbreaking work enhances our understanding of how lifestyle and health behaviors influence biological aging and disease risk. Moving forward, the team aims to collaborate with biotech firms to translate these findings into practical diagnostic tools, ultimately improving cardiovascular health outcomes across populations.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-biomarkers-cardiovascular-disease.html