February is American Heart Month — Heart Health Blood Tests to Consider
Did you know February is American Heart Month? Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women in the US, and, regrettably, often considered by health experts to be largely preventable through lifestyle modifications. To raise awareness below are a few of the blood tests often used to measure cardiovascular risk.
HS C-Reactive Protein — To understand why the high sensitive C-Reactive protein test is a “heart health” test, its helpful to know about body inflammation, a target of the test.
You are probably familiar with the red, swollen area around a cut to your finger or bee sting. This is, in fact, inflammation. More broadly, however, inflammation is the process by which the white blood cells in our body — our first line defenders within our immune system — respond to foreign, unwelcome trespassers.
While natural and necessary, chronic inflammation as a result of diet or autoimmune conditions can keep your first defenders on constant alert. Over time this will impact the function of other body cells, including your heart. As a result the test is often thought of as an indicator of long-term inflammation. Many doctor-authors recommend a goal of less than 1.0.
Lipoprotein (a) — Another piece of the heart health diagnostic puzzle, increased amounts of lipoprotein (a) are associated with inflammation in the artery walls, which can lead to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Like other intricate body functions, the exact mechanism is still poorly understood by science. However, researchers believe the buildup of fatty deposits in the artery wall leads to cardiovascular disease.
While the test is not typically included in a standard, or even the more comprehensive cholesterol panel (like NMR LipoProfile), when other heart risk factors are present medical practitioners may also order this for a broader picture. As this is thought to have a significant hereditary component, particularly those with a family history of cardio vascular disease may consider performing this test.
Homocysteine, Plasma — Homocysteine is yet another marker for health professionals to assess cardiovascular risk, such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes, and some believe other conditions such as Alzheimer’s. Homocysteine is an amino acid that results from protein metabolism, and thought to be related to specific vitamin deficiencies such as Vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid.
As with Lipoprotein(a), the underlying mechanism is not well understood, nor the association with certain medical conditions. However, individuals with elevated homocysteine are often advised to increase their intake of Vitamins B6, 12 and folic acid through dietary sources and possibly supplements.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women in the US, and, regrettably, often considered by health experts to be largely preventable through lifestyle modifications.
CoQ10 — Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is an antioxidant naturally produced in your body, which your cells use for growth and maintenance. Your heart contains the highest concentration of CoQ10 and research suggests CoQ10 supplementation may improve symptoms of congestive heart failure. While the body’s production of CoQ10 decreases naturally with age, certain drugs like statins can interfere with the body’s production. Supplementation is often recommended for patients with heart conditions, suffering from Alzheimer’s or taking cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins.
Interlukin-6, or IL6 — IL6 is a protein produced by immune cells to stimulate an immune response, and is therefore viewed as an additional marker for immune system activation.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Receptor 2, or TNF-AR2. Similar to IL6, TNF is another marker of inflammation and used to help provide a more complete picture of body functions.
The above are not meant to be a comprehensive listing, nor an authoritative discussion of the tests and underlying biological processes. However, as more and more consumers access their lab results, with some diving deeper still, understanding what is available and why will be increasingly important.
That Which Gets Measured Gets Managed — Investing in Future You
As the saying goes, “that which gets measured, gets managed.” You may even find one or more of these tests can help you stay motivated to improve not only your heart health, but also the rest of you, helping to save some of your health care dollars.
Here is to heart health!
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About Aaron, CFP, EA
Aaron Benway is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and IRS Enrolled Agent (EA). He co-founded HSA Coach, a digital tool to educate consumers on HSAs, track health expenses and other documents, and provide individual financial calculators, to help consumers get the most from their HSA and other savings. To help individuals directly with their financial planning and wealth management requirements he founded AB Financial Planning.
Prior to HSA Coach Aaron was the CFO of HelloWallet, a financial wellness software startup purchased by investment research firm Morningstar. Earlier in his career Aaron was an investor at The Carlyle Group and a nuclear engineer in the US Navy. Aaron has an Electrical Engineering degree from the US Naval Academy and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Aaron lives in the Washington DC area with his wife and two children.
