Sustainable Words

Recently the American Cancer Society revealed figures indicating that cancer has surpassed cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the number one killer of Americans, crediting the decline of CVD related deaths to a decline in smoking.  While the news is encouraging, cardiovascular related illness is still a serious concern for all adults and early detection is the best way to increase your chances of survival.

Cardiovascular disease is referred to as “the silent killer” as often, the first indication of a problem can be a heart attack or stroke.  Fortunately, the body provides us with a host of markers that can be used to gauge a person’s current cardiovascular health status before such a serious problem occurs.  By performing a few simple blood tests, your doctor can determine your risk level and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to tackle your individual situation.

The Markers…

Fibrinogen
Fibrinogen is a protein that circulates in the blood and responds to infection and inflammation by causing blood platelets to stick together and seal off injuries.  If trauma is detected, platelets rush to the site and form a plug to repair the wound.  Fibrinogens provide the material for vascular repair and are necessary for normal blood coagulation.  However, if fibrinogen levels increase above normal, a blood clot can become a real threat, leading to diminished blood flow and reduced delivery of oxygen to the body.  About 400,000 heart attack and stroke deaths occur in the US each year as a result of a blood clot obstructing the delivery of blood to the heart or brain.  

Fibrinogen levels can be used to predict future cardiovascular disease in both men and women.  Studies have shown that fibrinogen levels after a stroke can remain elevated even a year later, further increasing the risk of a recurrent vascular event.

Homocysteine
Homocysteine is an amino acid found in the blood that is typically altered for use in the body’s normal functions.  The resulting homocysteine byproducts are important nutrients for cardiovascular health, liver detoxification and cholesterol excretion.  Researchers also suspect that homocysteine metabolites support adrenal gland function and contribute to neurotransmitter synthesis and the regeneration of bones and cartilage.  

At elevated levels, a dangerous accumulation of homocysteine in the cells can occur with serious implications.  Homocysteine has been shown to alter cell DNA, which is suspected to fuel the progression of heart disease.  (DNA alteration has also been linked with accelerated aging and a greater cancer risk.)  Elevated homocysteine levels are also associated with plaque buildup in the arteries, increased blood coagulation leading to blood clots and atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.  As homocysteine levels increase, so does the risk of hypertension, stroke and heart attack.

C-Reactive Protein
C-Reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver to help the body heal wounds and fight off infection.  The presence of CRP in the blood is an indication of an underlying infection or inflammation. Chronic inflammation is associated with a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disease and stroke.  

CRP levels may be elevated many years prior to a coronary event and can be a significant predictor of new coronary events in apparently healthy men and women.  Studies indicate that the higher the CRP level, the higher the risk of developing a heart attack.  Elevated CRP levels present in the blood after a stroke or heart attack can be indicative of a repeated coronary event with a lower survival rate.

Triglycerides
Triglycerides are fats found circulating in the blood, especially after a meal high in saturated fat.  Enzymes normally break down these fat particles, but when the process is not working efficiently, triglycerides that are only partially broken down can cause fatty deposits in blood vessels leading to a hardening of the arteries.  When functioning properly, triglycerides are necessary for life.  They are chains of high-energy fatty acids providing much of the fuel needed for body cells to function.

Triglycerides and cholesterol are closely related, as the liver uses triglycerides as fuel to make cholesterol.  Generally, if your triglyceride levels are elevated, you also have high cholesterol.  Both cholesterol and triglycerides coexist in animal fat, so when you eat meat, dairy, eggs and other animal products, you are consuming the two fatty acids together.

High triglyceride levels can cause the blood to thicken and reduce the arteries’ ability to expand.  In addition, elevated levels make the blood more sluggish and less capable of transporting oxygen to the tissues, particularly through the smallest blood vessels.  People with high triglyceride levels are much more prone to developing atherosclerosis, leading to a heart attack or stroke.

Metabolic Syndrome
Unlike the previously mentioned markers of cardiovascular health, metabolic syndrome does not rely on any one marker to indicate a problem.  Rather, metabolic syndrome is characterized by elevated levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, blood pressure and fasting sugar.  Obesity is generally factored into the diagnoses as well, as it tends to go hand in hand with the related characteristics.

Metabolic Syndrome, also known as Syndrome X or Insulin Resistance Syndrome, interferes with glucose (sugar) delivery.  Normally, ordinary levels of insulin will escort glucose into the cell.  With metabolic syndrome, the cell receptor does not recognize the insulin hormone and denies it access to deposit the glucose.  With nowhere for the glucose to go, sugar begins to build up in the bloodstream.   The pancreas, unaware of the insulin resistance, steps up insulin production in an effort to pump out enough of the hormone to remedy the situation.  The overproduction of insulin inundates the bloodstream, resulting in insulin dependant diabetes and an increased risk of heart disease.   

Causes of metabolic syndrome include obesity, physical inactivity, high carbohydrate diets and genes.  The syndrome affects about 25% of all adults in the United States and is considered to be as strong of a risk for early heart disease as smoking is.  The diagnoses of metabolic syndrome can be a powerful indicator of an eventual heart attack or stroke.  

Awareness is the first step to managing your cardiovascular health.  A few simple blood tests can reveal your risk level for developing cardiovascular disease or diabetes (a precursor to CVD).  Early detection can mean the difference between life and death.  The earlier that heart disease is detected, the sooner it can be addressed and a treatment plan can be developed.  BUT YOU MUST ACT NOW!  The tools are available for you to live a long and healthy life.  It’s up to you to take advantage of them.  Start today by calling your doctor.  Your heart will thank you for it!