Lipoprotein (a) Test
Lipoprotein (a) is synthesized by the liver and is responsible for the initial onset of cardiovascular disease. It is generally found in the inner arterial lining leading to the accumulation of plaque and formation of atherosclerotic particles. This process occurs due to the initiation of foam cell accumulation which gradually leads to the formation of plaque in the coronary arteries. Lipoprotein (a) test is prescribed to analyze the probabilities of premature cardiovascular disease incidence.
Lipid profile under normal or slightly elevated values may have an underlying risk indicating the development of a cardiovascular condition which can be specifically determined by estimating the blood lipoprotein (a) value. The occurrence of lipoprotein (a) levels is a genetic cause which induces the onset of cardiovascular disease. The lifestyle of an individual in relation to cardiovascular disease is not an important factor for the increased lipoprotein (a) values. Lipoprotein (a) has structural similarity with blood clotting factors such as plasminogen which can lead to the formation of blood clots. Increased LDL values may associate with lipoprotein (a) in facilitating cardiovascular disease. The normal value of lipoprotein (a) is 30mg/dl. The test for lipoprotein is usually taken after 12 hours fasting.
Carotid Intimal Medial Thickness Test
Carotid intimal medial test also known as CIMT involves a noninvasive ultrasound procedure to determine the presence of cardiovascular disease because of the thickening of carotid arteries. Many risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, alcohol, exposure to toxic fumes and carcinogens induce inflammation of the arteries. The inflammation caused gradually results in the formation of plaque. The route to the incidence of cardiovascular disease is determined by the CIMT test as carotid arteries provide a channel. The relation pertaining to plaque formation in the carotid artery and coronary artery is very significant as it determines the increased risk of heart disease in a person. This test is conducted predominantly to measure the thickness between lumen-intima and media-adventitia layers of the carotid artery.
CIMT test also helps in the identification of stenosis if present. The link between cardiovascular disease and the CIMT is by the identification of arteriosclerotic beds in various regions. The test determines the ten year coronary heart disease incidence based on the Firmigham risk score. The determination of carotid wall thickening through ultrasound technique can help in the identification of asymptomatic cardiac conditions. It also determines conditions associated with subclinical vascular disease. CIMT is increasingly becoming an important diagnostic necessity for clinicians since it also determines cerebrovascular conditions.
Cholesterol Ratio
Cholesterol is the fatty substance found in the body. Cholesterol facilitates some of the vital functions in the body such as hormone formation, cell structure and also digestion. However, the estimation of cholesterol ratio in an individual determines a person’s risk of heart disease. Cholesterol ratio is often measured by taking the good cholesterol – high density lipoprotein ratio and bad cholesterol low density lipoprotein ratio. In order to calculate the total cholesterol level, the value of good cholesterol is divided by the total cholesterol. For treatment purposes, it is important that the values pertaining to good cholesterol(HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL) are measured.
Good cholesterol / High density lipoproteins
High density lipoproteins play a very significant role in the cleaning up excess cholesterol present in the blood vessels to prevent plaque formation thus acting as effective scavengers. The excess cholesterol is transported to the liver for breakdown and excretion. The levels of HDL in the blood determine the intensity of cleaning process of the blood vessels to prevent atherosclerosis leading to coronary artery disease. The level of cholesterol is measured by milligrams per deciliter of the blood. The normal range for HDL in men and women is 60mg/dl or above. Any value below these levels indicates that the individual is susceptible heart disease. Hence the concentration of HDL is inversely related to cardiovascular disease. HDL also pays an important role in lipoprotein metabolism in donating proteins such as Apo c2, Apo E and VLDL.
Increasing good cholesterol in the body
HDL concentrations increase in the body depends on the lifestyle of an individual. Avoiding smoking can effectively raise the levels of HDL in the body. This accounts for 10 percent rise in the HDL level. Obesity is a major cause for cardiovascular disease and many other associated diseases. Losing excess weight in the body can yield in a gradual increase of HDL levels. Exercises pertaining to cardiac activity such as running, brisk walking, swimming, aerobics can enhance the levels of HDL significantly. Alcohol consumption should be limited to moderate. Choosing the right kind of fats in the diet enables increase in good cholesterol levels. Avoiding foods containing saturated and trans fats is advisable. These fats tend to increase the low density lipoproteins which damage the blood vessels. Fats which contain polyunsaturated and mono unsaturated fatty acids are safe and they increase the level of HDL in the body. Foods containing these fatty acids include olives, peanuts, canola, fish etc. These fatty acids improve the anti-inflammatory action of the HDL.
In addition to changes in lifestyle, medications can also help improve the level of HDL in the body subsequently lowering the LDL levels. Therapeutics such as niacin in association with statins and cholestyramine increase the level of HDL. Statins block substances in the liver which makes cholesterol. They also reabsorb excess cholesterol in the artery walls. These drugs are often used in people who have a history of cardiovascular disease. In addition, fibrates such as fenofibrate and gemfibrozil enhance the HDL level.
Bibliography / Reference
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