| Heart Disease Prevention | | Print | |
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:
Measurement of Cardiovascular RiskCardiovascular Chemistry Profile Test from SpectracellThis test measures other factors which contribute to the development of atherosclerosis:elevated HomocysteineHomocysteine 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 ProteinC-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 FibrinogenFibrynogen 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 BApolipoprotein 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-1Apolipoprotein 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 Lipoprotein Particle Profile 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.
Full Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Profile includes:Lipoprotein Particle Profile Plus™
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| Test Component |
Cardiovascular Chemistry |
Lipoprotein Particle |
| Homocysteine | ✔ | |
| C-Reactive Protein | ✔ | |
| Fibrynogen | ✔ | |
| Apolipoprotein A1 | ✔ | |
| Apolipoprotein B | ✔ | |
| Lipoprotein (a) | ✔ | |
| Total Cholesterol | ✔ | |
| HDL Cholesterol | ✔ | |
| LDL Cholesterol | ✔ | |
| Triglycerides | ✔ |
To schedule your Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
please call us at 688-1900
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BODY FOCUS LASER & LONGEVITY CENTER
3316 Andrews Hwy
Midland, TX 79703
Phone: (432) 688-1900
Fax: (432) 684-7049
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Wellness Medicine Heart Disease Prevention
Wellness Medicine Heart Disease Prevention