Written by Veronica Yoo
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for approximately 17.9 million deaths per year. CVD includes a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. While there are several risk factors for CVD, such as smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, recent research has identified three biomarkers that may provide valuable information about a person’s risk of developing CVD: C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine, and calcium scoring.
What are CRP, Homocysteine, and Calcium Scoring?
CRP is a type of protein that is produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. Elevated levels of CRP in the blood can be a sign of infection, injury, or chronic inflammatory conditions. In addition to its role as a marker of inflammation, studies have shown that high levels of CRP in the blood are associated with an increased risk of CVD.
Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced by the body when proteins are broken down. Elevated homocysteine levels have been associated with an increased risk of CVD and stroke. The body needs certain vitamins, such as B6, B12, and folic acid, to break down homocysteine. When these vitamins are deficient, homocysteine levels can rise.
Calcium scoring is a type of imaging test that is used to measure the amount of calcium buildup in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart (coronary arteries). The test uses computed tomography (CT) to produce images of the heart and its blood vessels. The amount of calcium buildup is given a score, which can help doctors assess a person’s risk of developing heart disease.
How are CRP, Homocysteine, and Calcium Scoring levels measured?
CRP and Homocysteine levels can be measured with a simple blood test. These tests are often used in conjunction with other tests, such as cholesterol and blood pressure measurements, to assess a person’s risk of developing CVD.
Calcium scoring is done through a non-invasive imaging test that takes a few minutes. During the test, you will lie down on a table while a CT scanner takes pictures of your heart and blood vessels. The images are then analyzed to determine the amount of calcium buildup in the coronary arteries, which is given a score.
What do CRP, Homocysteine, and Calcium Scoring levels mean for cardiovascular health?
Studies have shown that elevated levels of CRP and homocysteine in the blood are associated with an increased risk of CVD and stroke. Additionally, a higher calcium score indicates a greater amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries, which can narrow the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack.
However, it is important to note that these biomarkers are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to assessing cardiovascular risk. Other factors, such as lifestyle choices and family history, also play a role.
What can you do to improve your cardiovascular health? While you can’t control all of the risk factors for CVD, such as family history, there are several things you can do to improve your cardiovascular health. These include:
- Quitting smoking
- Eating a healthy diet that is cholesterol friendly foods
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Managing stress
- Quality sleep 7-9 hours daily
In addition to these lifestyle changes, regular blood testing and calcium scoring can help identify potential risk factors for CVD, such as elevated CRP and homocysteine levels and a higher calcium score. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether blood testing and calcium scoring may be right for you.
In conclusion, while CRP, homocysteine, and calcium scoring are not the only factors to consider when assessing cardiovascular risk, they can provide valuable information that can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your cardiovascular health. By making lifestyle changes and working with your healthcare provider to monitor your risk factors, you can take steps to improve your cardiovascular health and reduce your risk of CVD and stroke. Regular blood testing and calcium scoring can help you stay on top of your cardiovascular health and catch potential problems early, when they are most treatable.
Veronica Yoo
Veronica is dedicated and experienced nutritionist and certified health coach who specializes in functional medicine, She's a published author, nutritional instructor, WBFF professional figure athlete, and both the brains and beauty behind all that Makeover Nutrition offers.
Veronica is also the President & CEO of a BC based health and wellness association; Pacific Alliance of Body Care.
