These critical heart disease tests your doctor is ignoring could SAVE YOUR LIFE!

“I’m only in my fifties and my arteries are already all plugged up. I even had to agree to

have stents put in! I just don’t get it doc my cholesterol levels weren’t even that high!”

With over 205,000 Americans having a second heart attack every year, Jim is far from

alone. But if you’re already in that boat with him don’t despair; there are things you can

do to drop your heart risk starting today.

If you haven’t had any heart problems yet don’t make the mistake of assuming you’re

safe. The plaque in Jim’s arteries certainly didn’t build up overnight, and just like Jim

you could already be at risk for heart disease, a heart attack, or stroke and not have a

clue. After all, there’s a reason heart disease is called “the silent killer.”

Being unaware that you even have a problem until you have that first heart attack isn’t

uncommon. Symptoms can be misleading (if you have any at all) and testing, is often

inadequate.

Your doctor likely tests for traditional blood markers such as total cholesterol, HDL,

LDL, and triglycerides. When your numbers come back looking reasonably good you

no doubt relax, thinking you’ve dodged the heart disease bullet for another year. But

that decision could turn out to be a deadly mistake.

75% of heart attack victims have “normal” LDL cholesterol

Traditional blood markers are only part of the picture. Focusing only on these lipid

values is dangerous, and “normal” values don’t mean you’re safe.

Research published in the American Heart Journal found that 50% of patients who

have been hospitalized with coronary artery disease have normal cholesterol levels.2

Even more shocking, 75% of people who have had a heart attack had “normal” LDL

cholesterol levels according to standard lipid panels!3 But the number that will really

have you rethink standard testing is 60%. That’s the percentage of people which

standard lipid panels don’t identify, but who ARE at risk for cardiovascular disease.

In other words, well over half the people who are at risk for this deadly disease are

heading home thinking they’re in the clear.4 Yet, for over 15 years, the medical

establishment has had the public convinced that heart disease prevention simply

requires testing your basic lipids, and medicating with statin drugs.

Take a second life-saving look at your LDL levels

You’ve, no doubt, heard of LDL cholesterol. LDL is checked in traditional lipid panels,

however there are far more accurate ways to measure LDL.

Elevated LDL Cholesterol Direct: Standard lipid panels use a calculated method to

determine your numbers which is often inaccurate and doesn’t reveal your real risk.

One of the problems with a calculated LDL is that it’s strongly influenced by your

triglyceride (fat) concentration. The more accurate way to test LDL is with what is

known as a Direct LDL measurement.

Genetics, weight, a high fat or high carbohydrate diet, a sedentary lifestyle, certain

medical conditions like kidney disease or hypothyroidism, and some drugs can cause

your LDL levels to rise. To lower your LDL levels keep your saturated fats moderate,

your carbs low (especially high glycemic carbs) and make sure you’re getting enough

good fats.

Watching your weight, giving up smoking, and getting regular exercise can all help

bring your LDL numbers down too. And supplements such as red yeast rice, plant

sterols, garlic extract, Indian Gooseberry and niacin can help normalize your LDL

without resorting to drugs.

Elevated Small Dense LDL: Emerging research reveals that the size of your LDL

particles is a far more important measurement than your total LDL cholesterol number.

Small LDL particles can penetrate your artery walls and, once inside, they kick off

inflammation and plaque buildup.

The causes behind a raised small particle LDL level are essentially the same as overall

elevated LDL cholesterol, but insulin resistance and diabetes can also raise your

numbers. Certain drugs, like steroids and beta blockers, can also drive your levels up.

Low HDL 2b Cholesterol: HDL is often called “good cholesterol.” The higher your

HDL level the more protection it offers by pulling excessive cholesterol from your blood

stream and removing it from where it doesn’t belong. There are subtypes of HDL with

the most important being HDL 2b. While your total HDL level may show up as normal

on a standard lipid test you may still have a low HDL 2b level which is a cardiovascular

risk.

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Genetics, too many carbs in the diet, insulin resistance, being sedentary and smoking

can all cause low HDL 2b levels. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes,

obesity and kidney disease, as well as beta blockers and steroids can all lower your

levels. You can raise you HDL 2b levels by slashing the carbohydrates and trans fats in

your diet. In addition, losing weight, regular exercise, quitting smoking and

supplementing with niacin can all help raise your numbers.

Elevated Apo B: Apo B is a component of LDL cholesterol that helps your cells take in

LDL. It’s a more accurate measurement of LDL. Elevated levels may mean you’re at

increased risk for heart disease, even if your regular LDL cholesterol is normal.

Like the other lipids discussed above, elevated Apo B has most of the same general

risks and treatments. Additional supplements that can help to lower Apo B include

omega-3 fatty acids, plant sterols and high fiber foods.

Low Apo A-1: Apo A-1 is a major component of HDL cholesterol, which helps to clear

cholesterol from your artery walls. The higher your Apo A-1 the better protection you

have against cardiovascular disease. For the causes of it being too low, and advice on

elevating it, see “Low HDL 2b Cholesterol” above.

Elevated Lp(a) Lipoprotein a: Lp(a) Lipoprotein a is an LDL particle with “apoprotein

a” attached to it. Elevated levels are linked to blood clots, atherosclerosis, and a three

to five-fold increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Elevated Lp(a) levels are mainly

caused by genetics, but can also increase with menopause and lower estrogen levels

in women, diabetes, and kidney disease. Lower your levels naturally with niacin, fish

oil, coenzyme Q10, and N’acetylcysteine supplements.

Curbing chronic inflammation is key to heart health

Chronic inflammation in your blood vessels causes plaque to form leading to a

hardening of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. There are tests available that can

effectively measure blood vessel and artery inflammation to give you a better picture of

your heart health than standard lipid tests alone.

Elevated Lp-PLA2: Elevated Lp-PLA2 is an enzyme that indicates when there’s an

inflammation of your arteries. Elevated levels are a predictor of plaque related

(ischemic) stroke and heart attack. Lp-PLA2 increases when damaged LDL (oxidized

LDL) gets inside the inner coating of the blood vessel wall. Atherosclerosis and heart

disease can also cause your levels to go up. Lp-PLA2 can be reduced with a holistic

regimen of weight loss, exercise, adequate sleep, and stress reduction combined with

balancing your lipids and lowering your blood pressure.

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Elevated C Reactive Protein (CRP): While there are more doctors measuring CRP

levels these days, it’s still not routinely tested. And that’s a real shame since large

population studies have shown that elevated levels of this important marker of

inflammation are a strong indicator of cardiovascular disease. People with higher CRP

levels have a two to four-fold increased risk of developing atherosclerotic disease

compared to those with low levels!

Elevated CRP levels are caused be anything that increases inflammation including

obesity, diabetes, poor diet, stress, infections, sleep apnea, and chronic illnesses such

as hypothyroidism, kidney disease, autoimmune diseases, and high blood pressure. To

bring your CRP levels down try a Mediterranean style diet, regular exercise and quitting

smoking. Supplements, including Coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, vitamin D, niacin, pine

bark extract, and fish oil can also help bring your numbers down.

Elevated Interluekin-6: Interluekin-6, a protein known as a cytokine, increases when

there’s an inflammatory response by your body like you’d see with an infection. It also

rises with high lipid levels, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, heart failure, autoimmune

disease, gum disease, high blood pressure, and smoking. Interluekin-6 levels are often

lowered with simple diet changes and stress management. But if you’re suffering with

an acute or chronic infection, you’ll need to knock out the infection to bring your levels

back down.

Galectin-3: Galectin-3 is a direct marker of inflammation. The protein binds to

carbohydrates known as beta-galactosides. Galectin-3 plays an important role in your

body’s immune response, promoting inflammation. Research has shown that higher

galectin-3 levels are a good predictor of heart failure and may lead to cardiovascular

disease and even death. If you have heart disease, galectin-3 is an FDA cleared blood

test, and your cardiologist may use it to monitor your disease. Galectin-3 also

increases when you have an injury. Modified citrus pectin supplements can naturally

reduce your galectin-3 levels.

Homocysteine: Homocysteine is the result of the amino acid methionine being

metabolized by your body. Elevated levels of this protein metabolite increase your risk

of atherosclerosis and blood clots, and they can send your cardiovascular risk

skyrocketing by up to a 200%! Elevated homocysteine levels are mainly caused by

your genetics (MTHFR gene mutation), but they can also go up because of kidney

disease, pernicious anemia, or hypothyroidism.

Homocysteine levels are reduced by eating greener leafy vegetables and cutting back

on meat, eggs, and dairy. Folic acid, trimethylglycine, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12

supplements can also help lower your levels.

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The link between metabolic markers and your heart

Cardiometabolic risk is a term doctors and scientists use to describe your chances of

having diabetes, heart disease or stroke. Cardiometabolic markers are indicators found

in your blood that are measured, to help determine your risks for these diseases.

Elevated Hemoglobin A1C, Fasting Glucose, and Fasting Insulin: Hemoglobin A1C,

fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels can all be measured to assess how your body

metabolizes glucose. With prediabetes and diabetes rates skyrocketing, and their

strong link to cardiovascular disease, it’s critical to have these numbers checked.

If your A1C, fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels are high the cause could be

genetics, obesity (especially increased abdominal fat), a high carb diet, a sedentary

lifestyle, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or even medications such as steroids.

Diabetes, sleep apnea, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and Cushing’s disease can raise

your levels too.

You can reduce your numbers naturally with a diet that’s low in carbohydrates, high in

fiber, and that includes a moderate amount of protein. To get your numbers back to

healthy levels it’s also important to slash your stress, get regular exercise and

adequate rest, and to lose weight if needed. Supplements such as chromium, biotin,

berberine, cinnamon extract, and turmeric are also helpful.

Fibrinogen: Fibrinogen is a protein that forms into a clot in response to a tissue or

blood vessel injury. Having raised fibrinogen levels increases your risk of a stroke, but

when your LDL cholesterol are also up, your risk for coronary disease can increase by

a frightening 6 fold! You can lower your fibrinogen levels naturally by drinking more

water, losing weight and regular exercise. Quitting smoking and starting on certain

supplements such as nattokinase, fish oil, vitamin E, and niacin could also help bring

your levels down.

Elevated Cystatin C: Your cystatin C levels indicate how well your kidneys are

working. When your kidney’s aren’t functioning as well as they should, as is the case

with kidney disease, your cardiovascular risk goes up. Your levels also rise with heart

disease, diabetes, obesity, and skeletal muscle disease. Cystatin C levels can be

brought back down with diet and lifestyle changes and chelation therapy. Quitting

smoking and improving your blood pressure can also help.

Elevated Cortisol: High levels of the stress hormone cortisol are a known risk factor

for cardiovascular disease. Stress, chronic illness, obesity, and a diagnosis of diabetes

or Cushing’s disease can all cause your levels to go up. Cortisol can be lowered with

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stress management, exercise, a reduced carb diet, adequate sleep, and natural

therapies including acupuncture, and the supplements Ashwagandha, magnolia

extract, and phosphatidylserine.

Low Testosterone (Men): Low testosterone levels are a known cardiovascular risk

factor for men. Reduced levels of this hormone can lead to altered lipid levels and can

cause your heart function to drop making you susceptible to congestive heart failure.

Contrary to earlier reports of testosterone replacement increasing cardiovascular risk,

the most recent analysis found testosterone therapy in men isn’t associated with an

increased risk for heart attack or stroke.

You can raise your testosterone levels naturally by increasing your exercise and getting

adequate sleep. Ashwagandha, magnesium, and zinc supplements can also help top

off your levels. Natural testosterone therapy is also an option.

Elevated Parathyroid Hormone (PTH): Parathyroid hormone, produced by glands

located near your thyroid, helps regulate calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorous in your

blood stream. A raised PTH level can lead to raised calcium levels which can

contribute to heart disease. Elevated PTH is most often caused by vitamin D deficiency

or a tumor of the parathyroid glands, and treatment depends on the cause. If a tumor is

causing your elevated levels then you’ll likely need surgery, and if they’re due to low

vitamin D then supplements may be able to help.

Abnormal Leptin: Leptin, a hormone made by fat cells and transported by the blood

stream to the brain, regulates your appetite and metabolism. Overweight people often

have leptin resistance. Although they produce high amounts of the hormone, it doesn’t

make it to the brain cells, leading to increased hunger. Leptin resistance is typically

caused by being overweight, genetics, or diabetes. Losing weight, getting adequate

sleep and improving your insulin sensitivity can improve your leptin resistance.

Abnormal Adiponectin: Adiponectin is secreted by fat tissue, especially those in your

midsection. The hormone helps regulate blood sugar and plays a role in insulin function

and the breakdown of fatty acids. People with higher body fat have lower adiponectin

levels and an increased cardiovascular risk. Losing weight and improving insulin

resistance can help elevate your adiponectin levels.

Abnormal Ferritin: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the tissues of your body. If

your iron levels get too high they can damage blood vessel walls and your heart

muscle. Elevated ferritin levels can be caused by getting too much iron in your diet

either through food or supplements. Hemochromatosis, a genetic condition, can also

cause iron to accumulate in your body. You can reduce your elevated iron levels with

therapeutic phlebotomy (blood draws), and by cutting back on iron in your diet.

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Low vitamin D: Low levels of vitamin D increase your risk of stroke, high blood

pressure, heart failure, and heart disease. You may be low on D because of a lack of

sunlight, absorption problems, sunscreen, certain medications, or genetics. Your D

levels can be increased by spending a bit more time in the sun and taking a vitamin D

supplement.

Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acid imbalance: Your levels of omega 3 fatty acids and

omega 6 fatty acids—as well as their ratio—are linked to your cardiovascular risk.

Omega 3 fatty acids naturally thin your blood, help with normal heart rhythm, and

reduce inflammation. Excessive omega 6 fatty acids (found in meat, dairy products,

vegetable oils and soy) contribute to inflammation and blood clots. You can improve

your ratio of these two fatty acids by eating more omega 3 rich foods (as found in cold

water fish, green leafy vegetables, beans, flaxseeds and flaxseed oils) and by

supplementing with omega 3 rich oils.

Overlooked tests uncover hidden heart problems

The last category of cardiovascular markers that standard testing ignores are referred

to as cardiopathology. These tests can reveal hidden disease in your cardiovascular

organs.

Elevated Cardiac Troponin-1: Cardiac Troponin-1 levels go up when there has been

damage to your heart muscle. Your levels will increase with a heart attack and angina,

and heart failure, heart inflammation, coronary artery disease, kidney disease, severe

infection, and extreme exercise can all send your levels climbing. If your cardiac

Troponin-1 is up because of a chronic condition it can often be reduced with diet and

lifestyle changes and fish oil, L-carnitine, magnesium, and coenzyme Q10 supplements

can help too.

Elevated NT-proBNP: Your NT-proBNP levels rise when you have heart failure or

heart dysfunction. Fish oil, L-carnitine, magnesium, D-ribose, and coenzyme Q10

supplements may help bring your levels back down.

There are many factors that can influence your risks for cardiovascular disease, and

unfortunately a standard lipid panel misses most of them. To get an accurate picture of

your heart health—and to help head off future cardiovascular problems before they

even start—be sure to talk with a holistic doctor about running the tests that cover the

factors I’ve discussed here. Your heart… and your life… could depend on it.

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Article Citations:

1. 1. 2011 10Q Report: Advancing Women’s Heart Health through Improved Research, Diagnosis and Treatment.

Accessed July 13, 2014 at Women Heart website at

http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.womenheart.org/resource/resmgr/docs/2011_10q_report.pdf?hhSearchTerms=%22

heart+and+disease+and+statistics%22

2. Sachdeva A, Cannon CP, Deedwania PC, et al. Lipid levels in patients hospitalized with coronary artery disease: an

analysis of 136,905 hospitalizations in Get With The Guidelines. Am Heart J. 2009;157(1):111-117

3. ibid

4. Superko HR. Did grandma give you heart disease? The new battle against coronary artery disease. Am J Cardiol.

1998;82(9A):34Q-46Q

Adapted from Dr. Stengler's Health Revelations Newsletter≈ with permission.

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These critical heart disease tests your doctor is

ignoring could SAVE YOUR LIFE!