New Indicators for Heart Disease
ROCHESTER, MINN. -- You know that high cholesterol puts you at risk for coronary artery disease (CAD), but did you know that an estimated 50 percent of people who have heart attacks have normal cholesterol levels? According to the January issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource, medical researchers have been looking for other indicators -- beyond high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes -- that might put people at risk for CAD. Chief among them are C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine, fibrinogen and lipoprotein(a), also known as Lp(a).
CRP is manufactured when body tissue is injured or inflamed. Researchers believe that elevated CRP can be the result of atherosclerosis -- an inflammatory-like process in the arteries. Atherosclerosis is the most common form of CAD.
Homocysteine is an amino acid that, in large amounts, can damage blood vessels in the heart and brain. High levels of homocysteine can run in families, and regular folic acid intake can help keep levels normal.
Fibrinogen is a blood-clotting protein manufactured by the body. It can indicate inflammation and an increased likelihood of blood clots. Increased levels of fibrinogen are associated with an increased risk of CAD, but the exact reason why is unknown. Fibrinogen also is higher in smokers. Quitting smoking and exercising may reduce fibrinogen levels.
Lp(a) is a cholesterol-carrying molecule that also carries a protein that might inhibit the body's ability to dissolve blood clots. This, in turn, may increase risk of heart attacks.
Currently, there isn't enough information about these emerging risk factors to make regular screening useful. However, if you have a family history of heart disease, these factors may play a more important role in your health.
Shelly Plutowski507-284-5005 (days)507-284-2511 (evenings)e-mail: [email protected]
Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic.
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