Last week I had some detailed testing done in response to my family history of heart disease. I am posting because I thought others might have concerns related to this issue.
It amazes me how much information can be collected from a blood test! Although my "regular" 12 hour fast lipid profile looks ok (not great, but ok) I had an NMR lipoprofile test that shows some disturbing numbers.
The NMR lipoprofile test measures the number of lipoprotein particles as well as their size. People who have many paricles (over 1000) have a higher risk of cardiovascular diease. People who have a large number of small, dense particles also have greatly increased risk. Light, fluffy particles are lower risk. The small, dense particles are the ones that cause heart disease/blockages.
The "regular" lipid panel does not tell the whole or real story for many of us.
My results show that I have double the number of overall particles. Plus, I have triple the number of small dense particles than is considered safe or optimal. Plus, the overall size of my particles is too small.
I have started on a moderate dose of a stain medication.
Although it seems strange that at a healthy weight with a healthy lifestyle and cholesterol numbers that don't seem too bad, I am at a significant risk and will likey spend the rest of my life on statin meds.
The great news is that these test and meds are available to me and that I can continue to mitigate my risk in many ways. I have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season.
I could see how a person could take a Real Age quiz and be told that they have a body that is 10 years younger.... and it might not even be true.
Whenever I take a quiz like this or talk to a general medical professional, I am told that I am super healthy and at very low risk for everything from heart disease to diabetes. My pb was 106/70 at a recent visit. My fasting glucose is great, weight is great, good lifestyle and more. Still, my arteries are in serious trouble. Then I consider people who are carrying around an extra 50 pounds, have hypertension or blood sugar issues. I wonder what their risks really are.
Originally posted by Sandy: Although I am 41, my arteries are 68 years old. Scarey and stunning to learn.
OMG!
My brother was about 44 when they cut him open and told him that his guts were like those of an 80 year old (although his wasn't hereditary).
Makes me think of all the hype from Dr. Oz and RealAge.com and the whole thing of how to live forever. I could see how a person could take a Real Age quiz and be told that they have a body that is 10 years younger.... and it might not even be true.
Denise
Posts: 9221 | Location: Silicon Valley, CA | Registered: March 17, 2004
I had a CIMT test done recently. It measures the thickness of the Carotid Arteries. The results are compared to a large pool of people who've had the testing.
The measurements are taken with ultrasound- totally painless and non-invasive.
I would seriously recommend this testing for anyone who has a family hx of heart disease as the docs are able to see wall thickening before significant blockage happens.
My vascular age is far older than my chronological age. Although I am 41, my arteries are 68 years old. Scarey and stunning to learn. However, knowing is good. I continue to be super aggressive about lifestyle and meds and further testing.
Just sharing in the hope that others might learn from this and get preventive care.
I forgot to add that the NMR profile is very inexpensive- docs are generally willing to request the test as there will be no insurance headaches due to cost issues.
