What is C reactive protein?
You have probably already heard of LDL cholesterol as the “bad” cholesterol. It is the one most commonly followed to try to assess your cardiovascular risk. But with newer information, we are finding there are other blood biomarkers which are more accurate. C reactive protein is one of those. C reactive protein (CRP) is a general marker of inflammation in the body. It is a protein made by the liver in response to inflammation caused by infection, tissue, and chronic disease. We know it is associated with cardiovascular risk.
What is Lipoprotein A?
This is a newer tested level. It is GENETICALLY inherited type of LDL, which increases arterial plaques and independently raises risk of heart disease. It is not treatable with diet or exercise. There is a new medication being developed to try to help. It contributes more to blood clots and plaque build up than LDL alone. as been shown to increase inflammation. See blogs on lipoprotein A
We know inflammation is bad. But how do you test it?
Turns out you can, with a simple blood test- high sensitivity C reactive protein, LDL cholesterol, and lipoprotein (a) levels are readily available. But do they predict future risk?
The answer is yes.
Study on Lipoprotein A, C reactive protein and LDL as a predictor of heart risk
This study published in the New England Journal of Medicine August 2024, “Inflammation, Cholesterol, Lipoprotein (a), and 30 Year Cardiovascular Outcomes in Women,” shows the correlation to 5 year and 10 year cardiovascular risk from a single screening test.
Study:
- 27,939 healthy US women, followed for 30 years (part of the NIH Women’s Health Study Clinical Trials)
- Mean baseline age was 54.7 years
- Measured high sensitivity CRP, LDL cholesterol, and lipoprotein (a)
- Primary end point was first major adverse cardiovascular event- heart attack, coronary revascularization, stroke, or death from heart related issues.
- They made quintiles of increasing baseline levels and compared them to each other.
- FINDINGS: each biomarker showed independent contributions to overall risk, with the greatest risk being in those with all 3 biomarkers.
They conclude, “A single combined measure of high sensitivity CRP, LDL cholesterol, and lipoprotein (a) was predictive of incident cardiovascular events during a 30 year period.”
Our thoughts at Biohackr Health?
These were healthy asymptomatic women. This simple blood test helped determine heart disease risk, which is the biggest killer of women- yes, heart disease kills more women than cancer. We at Biohackr Health want you to evaluate what your risks are and try to improve them. Know your levels of inflammation and cholesterol. If post menopausal, consider hormone replacement. Estrogen helps protect the cardiovascular system in women, but after menopause the levels are low.
- TEST. We test for C reactive protein, LDL, and Lipoprotein (a). If you are a woman (or man- they did a study years ago on men), this SINGLE test gives you an indication of your heart disease and stroke risk. We would also add apoprotein b to this list- but we test for that too.
- TREAT. See our affiliated physician (insurance covered) and get medication if needed. Lower your cholesterol. Take NAD+. Increase exercise. Change your diet. Meditate. There are things you can do to improve your health. Start them now.
- CARDIAC CALCIUM SCAN. We send patients to do this study to see if there is any measurable build up of calcium in your arteries currently. Again, an indicator of heart disease existing risk.
- HORMONE REPLACEMENT.
Medical References
New England Journal article, Inflammation, Cholesterol, Lipoprotein A, and 30 year heart disease risk in women.
American Heart Association summary of Lipoprotein A