C-Reactive Protein (CRP)-NO PRIOR strenuous exercise for 48 hrs.
A high or increasing amount of CRP in your blood suggests that you have an acute infection or inflammation. Because CRP increases in cases of inflammation, the test is ordered when acute inflammation is a risk (such as from an infection after surgery) or suspected based on patient symptoms. It is also ordered to help diagnose conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The lab tests may be repeated often to learn whether treatment of an inflammatory disease is effective (CRP levels drop as inflammation subsides) C-Reactive protein is a substance in the blood that indicates the presence of inflammation and could warn of a heart attack in advance. Elevated amounts of the protein in men may triple their risk for heart attack and double their risk for stroke, whereas elevated amounts in women can increase their heart attack risk up to seven times. Cardio (also specifi c or high sensitivity) C-Reactive Protein is a marker of inflammation to the blood vessels and a strong predictor of risk for future myocardial infarctions. Cardiovascular tests ordered vary based on patient symptoms as well as family history.
Lipid Panel
Cholesterol, Total-This test is used to determine the risk of developing coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemias. Cholesterol is a sterol in the blood. Knowing your cholesterol may be as important as knowing your blood ressure. Elevated cholesterol is associated with an increasing risk of coronary heart disease. Reference Range: 100-199 mg/dL
Triglycerides (Blood Fats) –This test is used to identify the risk of developing coronary heart disease, or when disorders in fat metabolism are suspected. Triglycerides are fat in the blood responsible for providing energy to the cells in the body. Reference Range: 0-149 mg/dL
HDL Cholesterol (“Good” Cholesterol)- This test measures alpha lipoprotein and is used to predict heart disease. High-density lipoproteins are believed to take cholesterol away from cells and transport it back to the liver for processing or removal. They have become known as the “good” cholesterol. Persons with high levels of HDL may have less risk of heart disease. Low levels of HDL could be the result of smoking or lack of exercise. Reference Range: 40-59 mg/dL
VLDL Cholesterol (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein)-This test measures very low density lipoprotein, which contains the highest amount of triglycerides (blood fats). Elevated levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Reference Range: 5-40 mg/dL
LDL Cholesterol (“Bad” Cholesterol)- This test measures beta lipoproteins and is also used to predict heart disease. Low-density lipoproteins contain the greatest percentage of cholesterol and are responsible for depositing cholesterol on the artery walls. Reference Range: 0-99 mg/dL
Homocysteine-Homocysteine is an amino acid used as a protein building block in the body. It has been shown to be an independent risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease, stroke, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. High levels can irritate and damage the lining of arteries, making it easier for fatty plaques to form, and also causes the blood to clot more easily. This can lead to blood clots in the vessels that supply the heart and brain leading to heart attack and stroke (Lower your homocysteine level by increasing dietary intake of vitamins B6, B12 & folate).
