Identifying hidden, active cardiovascular inflammatory disease can make the difference between life and death! Standard cholesterol testing and outdated Risk Assessment Scores will NOT discover your cardio-metabolic-stroke threat. Over 50% of all heart attacks happen in individuals with so called “normal cholesterol”, 1 out of 3.5 men and 1 out of 3 women will die from heart disease making it the number one killer of men and women alike. Every 40 seconds someone has a stroke and every 4 minutes someone dies from a stroke.

Check out Dr. Rob explaining the different types of cholesterol

Below are the some laboratory tests you need to help identify your true cardio-metabolic-stroke risk.

LIPOPROTEIN PARTICLES

NMR Lipid Profile: clinically reliable test to measure lipoproteins.

Lipoprotein Insulin Resistance Score: insulin resistance is the precursor to diabetes and manifests its earliest measurable abnormality through changes in lipoproteins.

LDL-P: the actual number of “bad” cholesterol particles in your blood.

HDL-P: the actual number of “good” cholesterol particles in your blood.

Lp (a): is the worst form of LDL and is an inherited trait that can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

INFLAMMATION OXIDATION

Myeloperoxidase: is an enzyme made by white blood cells. High levels are a sign of surface inflammation of the artery wall. Elevated MPO levels are associated with future risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart attack, and stroke in otherwise healthy individuals.

Lp-PLA2: elevations of this enzyme indicate serious inflammation in artery walls that can be dangerous when blood pressure is also high.

hs-CRP: identifies inflammation in the body.

Fibrinogen Activity: high levels of this protein mean you are at risk of developing a blood clot.

MYOCARDIAL STRESS

Galectin-3: high levels of this carbohydrate binding protein contribute to abnormal thickening and stiffening of the heart muscle and change the heart structure.

NT-proBNP: stress or strain on your heart can cause levels of this peptide to rise. If your levels are high your heart is being overworked.

LIPOPROTEIN GENETICS

Apo E Genotype: identifies how people respond to dietary fat and how they carry cholesterol in the blood. Apo E comes in different types, E3 is desirable, E2 is borderline, and E4 is undesirable.

COAGULATION GENETICS

Factor V Leiden Mutation: this factor helps to identify if you are at risk for forming blood clots.

Prothrombin Mutation: this factor helps to identify if you are at risk for forming blood clots.

MTHFR: this gene provides your body with instructions to make a protein responsible for folate metabolism. This helps to assess your risk for coronary artery disease and stroke and which medication may be best for you.

RENAL

Cystatin C: is used as a biomarker of kidney function. High levels indicate a decline in kidney function.

HS-OMEGA-3 INDEX

RBC EPA+ DHA: these fatty acids are important constituents of cell membranes in our body and are vital to your cardiovascular health.

METABOLIC

Free Fatty Acid: elevated FFA level can impair your body’s response to insulin and cause your blood glucose levels to rise. Higher FFA levels are a precursor to insulin resistance.

Glucose: excess glucose in the blood can lead to diabetes and may long term complications.

25-hydrox-Vitamin D: long-term studies have linked vitamin D deficiency with a twofold-increased risk of heart attack and cardiovascular events.

Homocysteine: high levels of this amino acid can injure blood vessel walls.

Vitamin B12 & Folate: your body needs these vitamins to make blood cells and maintain a healthy nervous system.

HbA1c: levels indicate how well your blood glucose has been controlled over the last 3-4 months. High levels indicate risk for the development of diabetes.

Adiponectin: is a protein produced by body fat that protects against insulin resistance and inflammation. Adiponectin levels are low in those who are overweight. If you have low adiponectin levels you are at greater risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Ferritin: is a protein that binds iron and transports it through the bloodstream. High ferritin levels can indicate problems with your body’s ability to store iron. Increased ferritin levels also occur when inflammation or insulin resistance is present in your body indicating an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Alpha-hydroxybutyrate: is a small molecule produced by the liver during energy production. High levels of alpha-hydroxybutyrate are a early indicator of insulin resistance.

Linoleoyl-glycerophosphocholine (L-GPC): low levels are an early sign of insulin resistance.

Insulin: is a hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose levels. High levels of insulin may indicate a problem with your body’s ability to control blood sugar.

C-peptide: is a small protein that is released when insulin is created from proinsulin.

Proinsulin: insulin is created from a non-active form called proinsulin. High levels of proinsulin may be early signs of damage to your beta cells of the pancreas.

Anti-GAD: is a type of antibody that is created when your beta cells are being attacked by your immune system.

We offer the VENDYS testing both in our Elite Health Evaluation and our AMMI Heart Disease Program. Watch the video below to learn more.