Cardiovascular Disease Uncovered Beyond the Lipid Panel – Part Three

July 14, 2022

The Cardio IQ blood panel offered at RMC provides much more information than the standard lipid panel when assessing cardiovascular risk. The last 2 blogs covered:

The importance of lipid particle size
Apolipoprotein A1
Lipoprotein(a)
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (HSCRP)
Fibrinogen

This blog post will review the following markers included in the Cardio IQ panel:

Homocysteine
Lp-PLA2

Next week’s blog post will finish the review of the Cardio IQ panel by reviewing the following cardiovascular markers:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio
AA/EPA Ratio

Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid produced as part of the body’s methylation detoxification process. High homocysteine can lead to arterial damage, plaque formation, heart attacks, coronary artery disease, blood clots, stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and osteoporosis. Elevated homocysteine levels have been shown to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease and have also been linked to cognitive dysfunction and dementia. High homocysteine levels in women of childbearing years may find it harder to conceive and can be at risk for early miscarriages.

If you have a high homocysteine level, it usually indicates you have a B-12 or Folate Deficiency. B-12 and folate help break down homocysteine for the body to utilize in other reactions. A high homocysteine level can also mean you may have a genetic defect in the MTHFR gene. A patient will not have any symptoms from high homocysteine, but may have symptoms of B-12 or folate deficiency such as pale skin, weakness, fatigue, pins and needle sensations in hands arms legs or feel, dizziness, mouth sores, mood changes, or tongue swelling.

The exact role homocysteine plays in heart disease has yet to be confirmed but studies have reported high homocysteine levels may reduce levels of HDL cholesterol by inhibiting the production of Apo A-1.¹ As a refresher from the last blog post, low levels of Apo A-1 can put you at an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Treatment: The easiest way to decrease homocysteine is by taking methylated B-12 and methylated folate until homocysteine levels are normalized. Dietary changes including increasing green leafy vegetables, fruits, grass-fed red meat, and omega 3s can aid in reducing homocysteine levels by providing increased B-12 and folate. Reversing underlying anemia may also have an effect on homocysteine levels.

Lp-PLA2 Activity

Lp-PLA2, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, is an enzyme secreted by immune cells that is bound to LDL. It is associated specifically with vascular inflammation and contributes to atherosclerotic plaque buildup in the arterial walls. This enzyme is released as plaque is being formed in the vessels. Increased levels have been shown to be an independent predictor of coronary heart disease, stroke and recurrence of both events.^8,9

Treatment: Elevated Lp-PLA2 levels treatment includes omega 3 fish oil supplementation and increasing omega 3s from diet. Smoking cessation and increasing exercise is important. If pharmacological treatment is warranted, this may include fibrates, statins with or without niacin.

A global picture of cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular health is important as it is the number one killer we tend to forget. Knowing our genetic make-up and looking at other cardiac markers can help us make better lifestyle and diet choices. Always the foundation of good health are good organic food and exercise.

Have an awesome day! Dr. D

Posted in Cardiovascular Disease, Uncategorized