Heart Disease Prevention

Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Micronutrients

  During the 1960s and '70s, research scientists examined the

  relationship between micronutrient deficiencies and heart

  disease, but it wasn't until recently (the past 10 years),

  when research steadily accumulated with results so

  compelling, many clinicians now include nutritional

  intervention in their treatment and prevention of this

  disease.

This exciting research confirms what earlier scientists suspected: vitamin deficiencies contribute to the processes leading to the development of cardiovascular disease. These include:

• B6, B12, and folate which are required for proper homocysteine metabolism. Deficiencies of these specific B-vitamins are responsible for 70% of the cases of elevated homocysteine
• calcium and magnesium for their role in maintaining the normal function of the heart muscle
• antioxidants for their role in scavenging free radicals which have been shown to cause cellular damage contributing to heart disease
• homocysteine, lipids & proteins

Measurement of Cardiovascular Risk

Cardiovascular Chemistry Profile Test from Spectracell

This test measures other factors which contribute to the development of atherosclerosis:

• elevated Homocysteine

Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid and when it becomes elevated, it can damage walls of coronary arteries – eventually leading to the development of atherosclerosis. Vitamins B6, B12 and folate, involved in homocysteine metabolism, act to regulate and reduce homocysteine.

The assessment of homocysteine status and B-vitamins, particularly B6, B12 and folate, is useful since heart disease is the leading cause of fatality in the U.S. Approximately 2/3 of cases with elevations in homocysteine are related to deficiencies of one or more of these B-vitamins.

• elevated LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol)

LDL cholesterol is a lipoprotein that contains ApoB, cholesterol and triglycerides. LDL is the most atherogenic of the lipoproteins. Oxidized form of LDL may play a key role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, and with the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

• low HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol)

HDL cholesterol is a serum lipoprotein that contains ApoA1, cholesterol and triglycerides. A primary function of HDL is the removal of cholesterol from the body. Studies indicate that persons with high levels of HDL were less likely to develop atherosclerosis, thus significantly decreasing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

• elevated Lipoprotein(a)

Lipoprotein(a) is a complex of ApoA and LDL, and an elevated status is associated with an increased risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The pathogenic role of lipoprotein(a) is similar to that of LDL: it is localized in the blood vessel walls, then oxidized. Once oxidized, it gives the beginning to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

• elevated C-Reactive Protein

C-Reactive Protein is a non-specific indicator of systemic inflammation and infection. Its level rises rapidly in response to tissue injury and inflammation, and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

• elevated Fibrinogen

Fibrynogen is an important coagulation protein that is involved in the mesh-like network of the common blood clot. Studies have shown that elevated fibrinogen status is associated with subclinical cardiovascular disease.

• elevated Apolipoprotein B

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is the primary protein found in LDL (the "bad" cholesterol). Studies suggest that ApoB plays a major role in plaque formation in persons at risk for atherosclerosis.

• low Apolipoprotein A-1
  Apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA1) is the major protein constituent of HDL (the "good" cholesterol). This molecule is responsible for the activation of two enzymes that are necessary for the formation of HDL, and this process may be a key factor in the relationship between HDL levels and the incidence of atherosclerosis.

Medical findings support the health benefit of laboratory testing to improve the assessment of risk, particularly in persons with a personal or family history of cardiovascular disease. Coronary heart disease is the number 1 cause of fatality in the U.S.; stroke is number 3, and the leading cause of serious, long-term disability. But early detection and treatment can make a big difference in reducing cardiovascular risk and thus, improving one's health.

Lipid Particle Profile (LPP™) Test from Spectracell

LPP™ test is the most advanced lipoprotein test currently available. Unlike traditional cholesterol tests, LPP™ directly measures both the size and number of several classes of lipoprotein particles, including critical risk factors as cited by the National Cholesterol Education Program, giving an accurate assessment of cardiovascular risk.

Many patients understand that not all cholesterol is the same. There is the “good” HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol and the “bad” LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol. However, different types of HDL and LDL exist and some are much more dangerous than others.

The LPP™ test determines the specific number of particles in each lipoprotein subclass (HDL and LDL) for a much more accurate assessment of risk. For example, the LPP™ test measures RLP (remnant lipoprotein) and Lp(a), both very atherogenic, but with very different effective treatment options. A standard cholesterol test does not give this information, putting the physician and the patient at a disadvantage when deciding the most effective treatment.

Moreover, since it is the actual lipoproteins (not the cholesterol inside them) that contribute to cardiovascular disease, the LPP™ test is more advanced than standard cholesterol testing. The LPP™ test measures the lipoprotein particles directly, giving a precise evaluation of their size and density. Armed with this information, a clinician is empowered to make the best possible decisions regarding their patients’ care when it comes to reducing cardiovascular risk.

Full Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Profile includes:

Lipoprotein Particle Profile Plus™

     and

                   Cardiovascular Chemistry Profile

       

To schedule your Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

please call us at 688-1900