Heart, blood, and brain conditions have long been linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption.

However, doctors are observing a significant increase in cases where seemingly 'healthy' individuals experience heart attacks and strokes.

Surprisingly, it is now estimated that nearly half of these occurrences are seen in individuals who do not smoke, maintain low blood pressure, have normal cholesterol levels, and are free of diabetes.

In the medical community, these are known as 'standard modifiable risk factors' (SMuRFs). Notably, within this group, 'healthy' women appear to be most vulnerable to these life-threatening conditions.

Considering this, a team of researchers from Mass General Brigham has set out to identify which 'healthy' individuals might be more at risk of these conditions, yet are often overlooked by current screening methods.

There's said to be a rise in 'healthy' people suffering from heart attacks and strokes (Getty Stock Image)

The researchers used data from the Women's Health Study, which included 12,530 women without standard modifiable risk factors, as a starting point.

They tracked the levels of an inflammatory biomarker called 'hsCRP' over a 30-year period. Even though these women did not have SMuRFs, those with high hsCRP levels had a 77 percent higher chance of being diagnosed with coronary heart disease during their lifetime.

These women also faced a 39 percent increased risk of having a stroke and a 52 percent increased risk of experiencing a major cardiovascular event in their lifetime.

Another study by the team, using randomized data, revealed that women without SMuRFs but with inflammation could reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke by incorporating statin therapy into their lives.

Women with high hsCRP levels were found to be more at risk (Getty Stock Image)

Statins are medications designed to lower LDL, or 'bad' cholesterol, by reducing its production in the liver, thus helping prevent the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries.

As a result, they reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Experts suggest that these women should consider starting statins around middle age, or at age 40.

"While those with inflammation should actively pursue lifestyle and behavioral preventive measures, statin therapy could also play a crucial role in mitigating risk among these individuals," said Paul Ridker, MD, MPH, a preventive cardiologist at Mass General Brigham's Heart and Vascular Institute, recently told The Mail.

"Women who suffer from heart attacks and strokes but lack standard modifiable risk factors are not identified by the risk equations doctors use in daily practice."

Women can reportedly fight this risk by taking statins (Getty Stock Image)

He continued: "Yet our data clearly show that apparently healthy women who are inflamed face substantial lifetime risk.

"We should be identifying these women in their 40s, a time when they can start preventive care, rather than waiting until their 70s when it is often too late to make a meaningful difference."