Most people know about the standard cholesterol test that your doctor’s office or lab can perform. This measures the blood lipid levels, in addition to other important factors like blood sugar. This is an important test that you should have done regularly, since it can highlight cardiovascular health risks so you can take action to correct them.
But, there are a number of new tests that are increasingly being used based on new medical research in the cardio health area. An article from Natural Solutions magazine in February, lists 7 tests that many people are not even aware of, and some doctors may not be completely versed on either.
With more and more findings indicating that the cause of heart attacks and stroke is much more complicated than originally thought, these new tests have emerged to measure some of the risk factors identified by research. The tests are not always cheap, but could possibly highlight a major problem before a heart event occurs. Here is a brief summary of the new tests:
1. High sensitivity CRP - You may have heard of this one. C-reactive protein shows up in the blood as a result of inflammation. So, injuries, infections, or chronic inflammation (such as that in the arteries when atherosclerosis is present) will cause CRP levels to rise. Because it can be caused by temporary events like injuries, it’s best to get two tests done at least 2 weeks apart to rule out these factors. The test is inexpensive - around $20.
2. PLAC - This is another test for inflammation, looking for the presence of another lipoprotein - Lp-PLA2. High levels indicate a raised risk of plaque formation and rupture (a major cause of heart events). The cost runs around $125.
3. Fibrinogen - This measures the risk of getting blood clots. Fibrinogen is made in the liver, and is produced to help heal injuries. But, in the process, can be used by the body to reduce blood flow from an injury. Higher levels mean an increased risk of heart attacks. The test runs around $100.
4. Homocysteine - This is a normal substance produced in the body as a byproduct when the amino acid methionine is broken down. Too much of it though, can lead to inflammation in the arteries. One study found that high levels of homocysteine can increase the risk of heart events by 15%. So, you want to keep it as low as possible. The test runs about $100.
5. Serum ferritin - This measures the level of iron in the blood. An excess of iron has been linked to increased risk of heart attack. Again, lower levels are better. The test runs about $85.
6. Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) - This blood fat helps cause atherosclerosis by promoting the formation of clots and plaques. A lot of this risk factor has been linked to genetics rather than diet. You want less of this rather than more. The test runs about $75.
7. Calcium Heart Scan - When plaque forms in the arteries, eventually the body transforms parts of it into calcium. So, the more calcium that is found in the arteries, the more plaque there is. One study found that men with the highest calcium levels had 2 1/2 times the heart attack risk and 10 times the risk for needing angioplasty or bypass surgery. This test is the most expensive, running anywhere from $250 to $600.
You may not need every one of these tests, but it’s a very good idea to discuss it with your regular doctor or cardiologist. Do a little research before going in and talking about it though. There’s a chance that he/she may not have heard of some of them. So, if you have a lot of information about it, the two of you can make a better decision.
Remember, the costs above are approximate and may vary quite a bit depending on your medical coverage, area of the country, etc.
The bottom line is that with 1/2 of all heart attacks being had by people with normal cholesterol levels, it’s important to find and monitor other risk factors. And these tests can do that, which can help give you peace of mind.
