A healthy brain has a healthy heart to thank. Anything that diminishes the heart also diminishes the brain, with less oxygen and fewer vital nutrients getting to that great, grey-mattered energy hog.
Americans truly play heads or tails with heart health. Nearly half of Americans will have some sort of cardiovascular disease. HALF is a lot of Americans “losing”.
In this blog, you'll see some examples of common laboratory tests your doctor likely uses to assess your heart health and help you win your health health bet.
In my next blog, I’ll share some natural solutions for better heart health numbers. Subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of my website or follow me on LinkedIn, FaceBook, or Instagram to know when I've posted.
What are some lab clues doctors use to assess heart health?
- C-reactive Protein
- HDL / LDL Ratio
- Homocysteine
- Fibrinogen
- Sometimes electrolytes
When “bad” cholesterol (LDL or Low Density Lipids) stick on an artery wall, the artery becomes irritated. The immune system wakes up to battle the irritants. The "battle" process causes inflammation. Several chemical and biological reactions later, special garbage collecting cells (macrophages) are sent to encase, devour, and remove the "neutralized" LDL. But LDL is sticky! Instead of removing the waste, everything stays stuck. A plaque starts building on the artery walls causing them to "harden" (arteriosclerosis). As long as more sticky LDL particles keep coming, there's more inflammation, more macrophages, more plaque and higher C-reactive protein.
LDL / HDL ratio.
HDL cholesterol or high density lipids are a denser, smaller type of cholesterol. HDL is “good” because it scrubs off that fatty, sticky, LDL cholesterol from arterial walls, carrying them away to the liver for removal or recycling. A lot of HDL is good! If you want to know your ratio, divide the LDL number in your lab results by the HDL number. Your lab results may already include the ratio. Look for rations under 3.6 for men and 3.1 for women.
Homocysteine:
We mostly get homocysteine from the animal proteins we eat. We need this chemical to make other chemicals that help, for instance, the immune system and liver. Too much is a problem. Low B vitamins levels and excess alcohol also interfere with the breakdown of homocysteine.
High levels of homocysteine (>10 mcmol/liter) indicate that we not breaking homocysteine down into the other chemicals. High levels are associated with arteriosclerosis, reduced blood flow, blood clots, stroke, dementia... not good. High levels occur most in people who eat a lot of animal meat, few fruits and vegetables, and have low nutrient levels.
Fibrinogen: Fibrinogen is produced to stop a bleeding wound. It makes the blood thicker and stickier. Click here for a Reader’s Digest article that nicely explains fibrinogen. Fibrinogen assays indicate inflammation and how likely clots might form in arteries. Levels greater then 3.43 g/L (343 mg/dl) indicate a significantly higher risk of heart disease.
Electrolytes: A careful balance of ion-forming metal salts of sodium, potassium, calcium and
magnesium are key nutrients for creating a regular heart beat. Many people have very high sodium levels. Potassium though, is a common deficiency. Balance is key. Aim for the middle of the ranges. Click here to get the full story.
Keep your own eye on your numbers.
When your doctor orders blood tests, compare your past blood tests with your newest numbers. Look for changes. You could have “normal” numbers now, but which way are they going?
Ask your doctor if they have any concerns about your heart health both for now and in the future based on the trends?
When the numbers are going in a downhill trend, gear up for a call to action! My next blog will help you raise your odds for natural support for better heart health.
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