| Home > Site Map > Recommendations > T > Test for Cardiac Risk Factors |
| If you are at increased or uncertain cardiovascular risk, there are many additional tests beyond the basic cholesterol levels and stress EKGs that can predict the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke. Post-challenge insulin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Lp(a), iron levels, additional lipid fractions, homocysteine, fibrinogen and others can be done to provide a clearer picture of your risk. Establishing your risk through laboratory testing and taking steps to reduce any abnormalities gives you more control over whether or not you experience a sudden heart attack or stroke. Although current guidelines for the management of high blood pressure rest almost completely on the measurement of the systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) values, a new study has found that something known as the "pulse pressure" may actually be a better predictor of heart disease risk. The pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures. For example someone with a blood pressure of 120/80 has a pulse pressure of 40, which is considered normal. It was found that increased serum uric acid levels were independently and significantly associated with the risk of cardiovascular mortality [JAMA, May 10, 2000;283(18): pp.2404-10]. [Lancet 2001;358: pp.2026-33]. S-Aadenosylhomocysteine, which is the precursor of homocysteme, appears to be a more sensitive marker for differentiating cardiovascular patients from control subjects than homocysteine [Am J Clin Nutr, 2001;74: pp.723-9]. Current data suggest that the addition of hs-CRP to standard lipid screening can improve the ability to detect absolute coronary risk. This is a critical issue because one-half of all myocardial infarctions and strokes occur among individuals without overt hyperlipidemia. There are treatments for these organisms. For example, AAL Reference Laboratories offers an "Atherosclerosis Activity Evaluation" and Great Smokies Diagnostic Labs offers a "Comprehensive Cardiovascular Risk Profile". |
| Atherosclerosis Coronary Disease / Heart Attack Need For Routine Preventative Health Measures |