[Source: www.americanheart.org]

Coronary Vascular Disease (CVD)  

Based on the latest advancements in cardiovascular research, this assessment measures the most important CVD markers available, including crucial new independent factors, a diverse array of lipoproteins, and two computed ratios. 

All of these advanced markers play a critical role in assessing the biochemical environment underlying cardiovascular health. This information allows Dr. Hardy to accurately address abnormalities relating to heart and vascular diseases. 

It is currently estimated that 57 million Americans—over one-fifth of the entire U.S. population—suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease. 

Testing is strongly recommended for patients with the following history or medical conditions 

Ø       Family history of cardiovascular disease  

Ø       Personal history of myocardial infarction, peripheral artery disease,
 or coronary artery disease 

Ø       Obesity  

Ø       Diabetes  

Ø       Hypertension  

Ø       Thyroid disorders  

Ø       Stress  

Ø       Chronic illness (including chronic fatigue) 

Ø       Diets high in saturated and trans fats  

Ø       Sedentary lifestyle  

Ø       Use of alcohol, nicotine, drugs (including certain medications)  

Ø       Use of oral contraceptives  

Ø       Hormonal imbalances (estradiol, cortisol, insulin, melatonin)  

Ø       Post-menopause  

Ø       Renal disease 

What difference will having this set of comprehensive test results make to me?  

Prevention! Many of the multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease can be reduced or eliminated with individualized integrative therapies.  

When abnormalities are found with this panel of indicators, a treatment plan can be customized to your specific needs and risk factors. This plan typically includes lifestyle, diet and nutritional recommendations. 

Heart Disease Risk Marker’s

Total Cholesterol 

Elevated levels have long been associated with increased Coronary-Vascular Disease (CVD) risk 

If high, suspect 

Ø       Dietary sources (diets high in animal fats, eggs, organ meats)   

Ø       Diabetes 

Ø       Hypothyroidism 

Ø       Biliary obstruction 

Ø       Familial hyperlipidemia types 2a, 2b, 3 or 5 

Ø       Pregnancy 

Ø       Chronic stress 

HDL 

Patients with high levels of HDL have been shown to be at lower risk of CVD than those with lower levels. 

If low, suspect 

Ø       Genetic factors  

Ø       Poor dietary habits, intake of hydrogenated oils  

Ø       Sedentary lifestyle  

Ø       Decreased testosterone levels (aging)  

Ø       Polycystic ovary syndrome  

Ø       Growth hormone deficiency  

Compounded probability of coronary artery disease if high Lp(a), or in smokers 

Total Chol/HDL Ratio
The higher the ratio, the greater the risk. 

LDL Cholesterol 

The most atherogenic of the lipoproteins, it constitutes the majority of the cholesterol found in the serum. 

If high, suspect 

Ø       Excessive consumption of unfiltered coffee,  

Ø       Meat fat 

Ø       Hydrogenated oils    

Ø       Dairy products 

Higher incidence of M.I. (High LDL is the best predictor of M.I. for men aged 40-60) 

Familial pattern of hypercholesterolemia (1:500 general population) 

Non-LDL Cholesterol

LDL + VLDL , less than 160 mg/dl is suggested 

Triglycerides 

High triglyceride levels are an indisputable risk factor for CVD; increasingly shown to be responsive to the carbohydrate concentration in the body. 

If high, suspect 

Ø       High fat or high carbohydrate diet   

Ø       Familial hyperlipidemia types 1, 2b, 3, 4 or 5 

Ø       Diabetes, insulin insensitivity 

Ø       Hepatitis, significant liver disease 

Ø       Hypothyroidism 

Ø       Alcoholism 

Ø       Pancreatitis 

Ø       Atherosclerosis 

Higher incidence of ischemic heart disease (with elevated Lp(a) and fibrinogen) 

Progressive coronary artery disease--post angioplasty (with low Apo A-1) 

Hs-CRP   (high sensitivity c-reactive protein) 

A general marker of inflammation or infection in the vascular network. Elevated levels have been shown in individuals with mild or subclinical CVD. The high sensitivity assay (hs-CRP) used for this report can detect increases signaling the early stages of disease. 

If high, suspect 

Ø       Inflammatory processes  

Ø       Acute-phase processes (post surgery, neoplasm, infection) 

Ø       Diabetes  

Ø       Smoking  

Ø       Subclinical or reactivated infections with Chlamydia pneumoniae, H. pylori, EBV, HSV  

Higher incidence of CVD even without other laboratory or familial risk factors  

Compounded probability of CVD with high CRP and fibrinogen  

Fibrinogen

In states of tissue injury/inflammation, elevated fibrinogen is correlated with early CVD, and is a better marker of risk for a coronary event than is elevated cholesterol. 

If high, suspect 

Ø       Smoking  

Ø       Genetic variability  

Ø       Insulin resistance, diabetes  

Ø       Pregnancy  

Ø       Increased likelihood of cerebral infarction  

Compounded likelihood with elevated blood viscosity parameters 

Ferritin

The best measure of iron deficiency, elevated ferritin is also an important maker of cardiovascular health.  

If high, suspect 

Ø       Ischemic heart disease  

Ø       Iron overload 

Ø       Hemo-chromatosis   

Homocysteine

Many studies, including the Physicians’ Heart Study, have demonstrated the association between elevated homocysteine levels and CVD.  

If high, suspect 

Ø       Genetic homocysteinemia (hetero- or homozygous) 

Ø       Nutritional deficiencies of B12, B6, folate, serine (which may impair methionine metabolism) 

Ø       High coffee and cigarette use  

Ø       Metformin (Glucophage) usage  

Ø       Anticonvulsant medications  

Ø       Hepatic toxicity interfering with methylation pathway  

Compounded CVD likelihood if hypertension and smoking are also present 

LP (a)

Apolipoprotein(a) complexed with LDL. Lp(a) is associated with development of atherosclerosis similarly to LDL; strong indicator for cerebrovascular disease. 

If high, suspect 

Ø       Genetic predisposition  

Ø       Excessive intake of partially hydrogenated oils  

Ø       Low fiber, low vegetable-based diet  

Ø       Hypothyroidism  

Ø       Post-menopausal elevation  

Ø       Diabetes, particularly with central obesity  

Ø       Chronic renal insufficiency  

Ø       Simvistatin therapy  

Compounded likelihood of CV disease if also high LDL and/or total cholesterol 

APOA-1 

If high, suspect 

Ø       High stress  

Ø       Genetic predisposition  

Ø       Dietary factors (see HDL)  

Ø       Growth hormone or testosterone deficiencies  

Ø       Polycystic ovary syndrome      

Apo B / Apo A-1 ratio

is in the OPTIMAL range, suggesting cardioprotection. This ratio is regarded as an important component of cardiovascular risk, the apolipoproteins being a more refined gauge of risk than HDL & LDL levels . 

Here are additional tests for Heart Disease that may help determine
the underlying cause of cardiovascular disease

Nutrition 

Imbalances in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential fats can impact a variety of cardiovascular functions. 

Fatty Acids 

Certain essential fats from the diet guard against hardening of fatty deposits in the arteries and influence blood pressure. 

Oxidative Stress 

A healthy antioxidant defense helps the body defend against heart disease progression mediated by unstable free radicals. 

Amino Acids 

Imbalances in amino acids such as taurine, methionine, and arginine can contribute to the development of heart disease and its symptoms. 

Heavy Metal Toxicity 

Hypertension and other cardiovascular problems have been linked to toxic and nutrient element imbalances. 

Melatonin 

Decreased melatonin promotes increased night-time sympathetic nervous system activity, in turn linked to heart disease. 

Genetic Predisposition 

Inherited defects in methylation or control of inflammation in the body can influence the course of heart disease.