Risk Of Heart Disease | A Metabolic Plan

Jun

27

This is the second in a series of posts about what blood tests you need on a yearly basis and what they tell you.

2. Fibrinogen

Fibrinogen levels increase with tissue inflammation. Increased fibrinogen levels can help predict the risk of heart disease and stroke as well as other inflammatory diseases. Obviously with knowledge of increased fibrinogen levels, lifestyle changes become important—such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and becoming more physically active—as well as adding nutritionals such as fish oil, niacin, folic acid and vitamins A and C, which may lower fibrinogen levels.

3. DHEA

DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is a precursor to estrogen and testosterone. In your twenties, levels of DHEA peak and then decline with age, decreasing to 20-30% of peak levels between the ages of 70 and 80. DHEA is frequently referred to as an “anti-aging” hormone. However DHEA is extremely important as we age as healthy levels may support immune function, bone mineral density, mood, libido, reduces abdominal fat, protects the brain following nerve injury, and helps prevent diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Research also suggests that DHEA may help with depression and clinical trials are evaluating DHEA’s role in memory and Alzheimer’s.

4.Estradiol

In non-pregnant women, estradiol is the most commonly measured type of estrogen. Estradiol levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and drop after menopause to a consistent but lower level . Women with increased levels of estradiol may be at a higher risk for breast or endometrial cancer. Very low levels may indicate a higher risk for bone fractures. In fact, in men with osteoporosis, research has shown a correlation with a low estradiol levels. Men do produce smaller amounts of estradiol than women but it is not only an indicator of increased incidence of osteoporosis but is tied to pituitary functions. Also men with low estradiol levels and low levels of testosterone may experience low sex drive and difficulty with urination.

Significant positive correlations were found between estradiol levels and levels of total cholesterol.

Supplements such as DHEA, pregnenolone, soy, black cohosh, and pomegranate as well as bioidentical estrogens may be helpful in maintaining healthy estradiol levels.

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Apr

20

Continuing on the subject of inflammation there is more and more evidence that the risk of heart disease and/or diabetes can be greatly reduced by lowering inflammation.

Are you at high risk for heart disease or diabetes? During your yearly blood work, note the level of CRP (C-reactive Protein). This is a measure of hidden inflammation – it shows if there is inflammation active in your blood vessels, for instance. If the levels of CRP are high (>3.0 mg/L) the risk of a heart attack can double or triple. This is something you need to discuss with your doctor to understand what your individual risk is.

There are, however, several lifestyle changes one can make if you are at high risk and everyone should follow as a matter of staying healthy.

Exercise: 30-60 minutes/day has been shown in studies to significantly reduce inflammation – this should include aerobic as well as strength training.
Weight loss improves insulin response and lowers inflammation.
Eating Healthy – one diet that seems to be an overall diet to follow is the Mediterranean diet. It is primarily fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, nuts and fish with basically no processed foods.

Besides these three critical things to do, supplements of fish oil (Omega 3 fatty acids) and Vitamin D can greatly reduce inflammation as well as improve other important functions. There are many other supplements that have been found t o reduce inflammation as well, such as DHEA, chromium, white bean extract, magnesium and flavinoids. Flavinoids are found in green tea, dark chocolate, apples and cinnamon as well as red wine which contains resveratrol.

Start making small changes in your lifestyle now and you will over time make large changes in the quality of life you will experience. Of course, you should discuss with your doctor the changes you are making as you may have special needs.

Confused About What Your Blood Chemistry is Telling You? part 2

4.Estradiol

Lowering Your Risk of Heart Disease or Diabetes

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