Blood Profiles

Over the last 30 years, a plethora of evidence has been found to substantiate the relationship between various blood lipids and coronary disease. Although these factors generally increase with age, they strongly relate to cardiovascular health throughout life.

Total Cholesterol

The most abundant steroid in animal tissue, cholesterol is the precursor to major steroid hormones such as cortisol, DHEA, testosterone, and estrogen. The body synthesizes 60 to 80 percent of its cholesterol, primarily in the liver and intestine.

Apolipoprotein B

Another protein component of lipoproteins, Apo B is the substance in LDL and is thus associated with an increased incidence of coronary artery disease. Researchers at Johns Hopkins went even further, asserting that the “non-traditional” markers apo A-1 and Apo B were better indicators of premature coronary atherosclerosis than plasma lipoproteins.

Ratio of Apo B/Apo A-1

One study on 225 patients evidence of coronary artery disease concluded that the strongest association between coronary artery disease and blood analytes was found in the ratio of ApoB / A-1. They found a higher ratio of Apo B/Apo A-1 with severe coronary atherosclerosis.

Fibrinogen

Fibrinogen plays a key role in arterial occlusion by promoting atherosclerotic plaque, thrombus formation, endothelial injury, and hyperviscosity.

C-Reactive Protein

C-reactive protein is a marker associated with production of inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines appear to encourage coagulation and damage to the vascular endothelium.

LDL

An abundance of research has established that elevated serum levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are a major cause of coronary heart disease.

HDL

Commonly called the “good cholesterol,” might be a deterrent against atherosclerosis.

Homocysteine

Homocysteine acts as a molecular abrasive by scraping the inner layer of blood vessels. Thus high levels of homocysteine have been correlated with damaged endothelium.