Advanced Cardiac Risk Markers
Understanding Advanced Cardiac Risk Markers
What is Advanced Cardiac Risk Markers?
An Advanced Cardiac Risk Markers test is a comprehensive blood test that offers detailed information about your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the overall health of your heart. Getting tested enables you to make informed health decisions that prevent serious health complications in the future.
Specific biomarkers appear in the blood after your heart has been under severe stress or injury. These markers are valuable indicators that healthcare advisors can utilize for a more comprehensive assessment of cardiac risk factors and to tailor preventive measures and treatments.
An Advanced Cardiac Risk Markers test goes beyond the standard lipid profile. It includes a range of tests to detect biomarkers indicating heart health, such as homocysteine, apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein A, and a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). The hs-CRP and homocysteine are markers that can indicate inflammation in the body, which is linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Apolipoproteins A is primarily associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and its increased levels may indicate a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Meanwhile, apolipoprotein B is associated mainly with low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and its increased levels may indicate an increased risk of heart disease. Furthermore, elevated lipoprotein A levels are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events.
An Advanced Cardiac Risk Markers test is typically recommended for individuals with specific risk factors for heart disease, such as a family history of CVD, diabetes, or other conditions. You may need this test when you show symptoms suggestive of cardiac ailments, such as chest pain or pressure that lasts for more than several minutes; pain or discomfort in your shoulders, neck, arms, or jaw; shortness of breath; palpitations; extreme fatigue; or swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or neck veins.
Usually, overnight fasting (8-12 hours) is preferred for an Advanced Cardiac Risk Markers test. Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results of this test can guide your doctor to suggest lifestyle changes, medication management, and other interventions to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve heart health.
What is Advanced Cardiac Risk Markers used for?
An Advanced Cardiac Risk Markers test is done:
- To identify individuals at higher risk of heart-related issues, even before they develop symptoms.
- To monitor the effectiveness of treatments and lifestyle changes in individuals already diagnosed with a heart condition.
- To assess the functioning and overall health of the heart and as part of health checkups.
- To determine an individual's risk of developing heart conditions, stroke, and peripheral artery disease, especially those with risk factors such as family history, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and prior heart attack or stroke.
What does Advanced Cardiac Risk Markers measure?
Contains 6 testsAn Advanced Cardiac Risk Markers test assesses the level of specific proteins called cardiac markers in the blood and helps determine the risk of heart ailments. This test determines the amount of apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein A, homocysteine, and high-sensitivity CRP in the blood. These cardiac markers play a pivotal role in the functioning of the heart, and a deranged level of any of these might indicate a developing heart disease.
hsCRP (High Sensitive CRP)
An hsCRP (High Sensitive CRP) test is a state-of-the-art biochemical marker to predict potential risks of future diseases. This test is more sensitive than the standard CRP test and can also detect lower CRP levels in the blood. Its accuracy in predicting cardiovascular issues, autoimmune disorders, and other health issues makes it an excellent test to detect asymptomatic conditions with limited diagnosis.
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Apolipoprotein - A1
An Apolipoprotein - A1 test helps check the levels of Apolipoprotein A1 in your blood. Apolipoprotein A1 is the major protein for the high-density lipid (HDL), also known as “good” cholesterol and helps in its transport. Apo A1 helps the HDL to take up cholesterol from the tissues and is bound by receptors in the liver where the cholesterol is destroyed. Assessing the levels of Apolipoprotein A1 directly reflects the high-density lipoprotein levels. In this way, apolipoprotein A can help to lower your risk for cardiovascular disease.
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Apolipoprotein B/A1 Ratio
An Apolipoprotein B/A1 Ratio test helps predict the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals at high risk, such as those who are obese, have a family history of heart disease, have high cholesterol, or have had similar health issues in the past. Apolipoprotein A1 is the primary protein associated with HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), and its increased concentrations are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Apolipoprotein B is the primary protein associated with LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and other lipid molecules. An increase in LDL cholesterol is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, an Apolipoprotein B/A1 Ratio test is a key marker of developing potential cardiovascular disease (CVD) or heart-related ailments.
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Serum Homocysteine
The Serum Homocysteine test measures your blood levels of homocysteine that serves in the body as an intermediate in the metabolism of methionine and cysteine. Methionine is an essential amino acid and antioxidant that synthesizes proteins. Cysteine is a nonessential amino acid synthesized from methionine. It reduces inflammation, increases communication between immune cells, and increases liver health.
The human body generally has low levels of homocysteine. This is because our body uses vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid (also called folate or vitamin B9) to break down homocysteine rapidly, convert it into other compounds, and transport it to our body. However, high levels can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attacks, damage to arteries, and brain stroke.
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Apolipoprotein - B
The Apolipoprotein B test is used to evaluate the level of Apolipoprotein B in your blood. It is a type of protein that aids in the transportation of fat and cholesterol throughout the body. Apo B serves as the primary protein component of lipoproteins such as very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and chylomicrons. It binds to LDL or “bad” cholesterol, causing plaque accumulation in the blood vessels. This can lead to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease that can be life-threatening if left untreated.
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Lipoprotein A
The Lipoprotein A test measures the amount of lipoprotein A (Lp-A) particles in your blood. Lipoprotein A is a mixture of Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and a protein called apolipoprotein a. Lp-A levels are largely determined by genetics. Lp-A levels are not significantly affected by diet, exercise, or lifestyle changes, unlike other types of cholesterol. That is why testing for Lp-A is essential, particularly for individuals with a strong family history of cardiovascular (heart or blood vessel) disease as it is considered an independent risk factor for heart attack and stroke. This test can help identify individuals who are at high risk, enabling early intervention to prevent future complications.
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Interpreting Advanced Cardiac Risk Markers results
Interpretations
Lipoprotein (a) helps to determine the risk of heart disease in patients with a family history of premature CHD or Stroke, Hypertension, Cigarette smoking, Obesity, Diabetes mellitus, increased levels of LDL, and decreased levels of HDL.
High levels of Lp(a) increase the risk of heart disease by 2-3 times normal.
Apolipoprotein A1 is the primary protein associated with HDL Cholesterol. It shows a protective function against heart disease. Increased levels are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Apolipoprotein B is the primary protein associated with LDL Cholesterol and plaque formation. Increased levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
The ratio of these two correlates with the risk of cardiovascular disease.