Lab tests play an important role in strategies to address aging, cardiovascular health, and prolonging both lifespan and healthspan. At the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity, patients either bring extensive lab tests or arrange it, in the clinic or at a distance, a large panel of lab tests that are predictive of heart disease, its causes, and its implications for the future.
For years, this panel has included 1) LDL-cholesterol, 2) hs-CRP, and 3) Lipoprotein(a) measurement (and many more).
A new study now reports that these 3 lab tests predicted cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in women over a 30-year period of follow-up. It is unusual to have 30-year follow-up on CVD studies, so we must learn more.
STUDY
The researchers measured high-sensitivity CRP, LDL cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) levels at baseline in 27,939 initially healthy U.S. women who were subsequently followed for 30 years.
The primary endpoint was the first major adverse cardiovascular event, which was a composite of myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes.
RESULTS
The mean age of the participants at baseline was 55 years. During the 30-year follow-up, 3662 first major cardiovascular events occurred.
Increasing baseline levels of high-sensitivity CRP, LDL cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) all predicted 30-year risks.
The increased long-term risk was 70% higher for an elevated hs-CRP, 52% higher for an elevated LDL cholesterol, and 33% higher for an elevated lipoprotein(a).
CONCLUSIONS
This fascinating study showed that a combined measure of high-sensitivity CRP, LDL cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) levels among initially healthy U.S. women was predictive of incident cardiovascular events during a 30-year period. That is a long time.
DON’T GUESS GET THE LAB TESTS
A distressingly small number of patients I see, both men and women, have never had their hs-CRP and lipoprotein(a) tested. This new study makes the strongest case to be sure you have these tests (and more).
Cardiovascular disease is a complex process and it involves metabolic issues, inflammation, and cholesterol disorders as some of the major players, along with genetics and lifestyle. Be sure you know your status.
When these lab tests, and others, are checked, in addition to some cardiac imaging like a coronary calcium CT scan, carotid IMT ultrasound, and a coronary CT angiogram, a powerful plan can be implemented for long-term health.
About the author: Dr. Joel Kahn is one of the world’s top cardiologists and he is passionate about scientifically showing the body’s ability to heal itself through proper nutrition. He is on a mission to try to prevent all future heart attacks by educating and inspiring people to follow an active and holistic lifestyle by applying cutting edge science to their lives.
At his core, Dr. Joel Kahn believes that plant-based nutrition is the most powerful source of preventative medicine on the planet. Having practiced traditional cardiology since 1983, it was only after his own commitment to a plant-based vegan diet that Dr. Kahn truly began to delve into the realm of non-traditional diagnostic tools, prevention tactics, and nutrition-based recovery protocols.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Content may be edited for style and length.
References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.kahnlongevitycenter.com
https://www.kahnlongevitycenter.com/blog/the-big-3-lab-tests-you-must-have-women-and-men
