Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Homocysteine, Lipids, Proteins, SpectraCell Laboratories

Cardiovascular Testing

Cardiovascular Risk Factors

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. Intracellular deficiencies of these specific B-vitamins are responsible for 70% of the cases for hyperhomocysteinemia. Other micronutrients include 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; and a number of other micronutrients: HOMOCYSTEINE, LIPIDS AND PROTEINS.

In addition to well-known risk factors, other proatherogenic factors have been identified which contribute to the development of atherosclerosis:

elevated homocysteine status

elevated LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol)

elevated lipoprotein(a) status

elevated c-reactive protein status

elevated apolipoprotein B status

low apolipoprotein A-1

low apolipoprotein B

low HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol)

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.