| Greetings!
Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the number 1 killer in the United States? The stories of people surprised by sudden heart attacks are becoming more common and it is perplexing that they had not been identified as at risk for heart disease. Today's routine cholesterol tests are over 50 years old and new tests that are 'cutting edge' are often covered by insurances.The limited focus of those old tests on "good" and "bad" cholesterol is simply not good enough when it comes to identifying individuals at risk. Fortunately, the prevention of coronary artery disease has taken a big step forward.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is an abnormal thickening of the arteries of your body. There is plaque build up in the lining of the arteries and it limits the blood supply to the body. Half of the people with CAD have blood cholesterol levels similar to those of people who do not develop the disease! In fact, a recently published study of over 17,000 people with low LDL (bad) cholesterol levels showed that a surprising number of them still developed heart disease. In other words, the majority of people at risk of having a heart attack may be unaware of this risk!
The newest (but still 10 years old) cardiovascular markers (which are labs) are well proven scientifically to detect abnormalities; well beyond the reach of conventional HDL and LDL analysis. This comprehensive panel of tests helps me to personalize treatment that slows (and in some cases) reverses the progression of heart disease. I'm able to do this with the nutritional guidance of Jolyn (the Registered Dietitian), vitamins or supplements; many times medications are avoided! Read more in the paragraph below!
Please call the office for personal or medical issues. This is for your confidentiality.
Yours in health,
Patti |
| WHAT ARE HEART MARKERS? |
Heart markers are a set of labs which are sent to a special lab in California where the research originated. This panel is an expansion of the old lipids (5) to 13. There are other tests that I often order that enhance my understanding about the condition of your cardiovascular system.
I want you to understand how I decide what tests are appropriate for you?
If you have had two or more of the following:
- Heart disease or a heart attack (This counts as two)
- Diabetes (This counts as two)
- Family history of either heart disease or a heart attack before the age of 55
- Total cholesterol greater than 200 mg/dL
- LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) greater than 130 mg/dL, or
LDL cholesterol greater than 100 mg/dL if you have had a heart attack
- Triglycerides greater than 150 mg/dL
- HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) less than 40 mg/dL (for men) and less than 50mg/dl for women
- Systolic blood pressure (the top number) greater than 140 mmHg
- Diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) greater than 90 mmHg
- Obesity
- Cigarette smoker
- Physical inactivity
Heart Marker tests
Click on this link if you want more specific information regarding each test.
Secondly, I want you to know that true prevention starts decades before the actual symptoms occur; however; it's never too late to start! My goal is to identify people at risk and start interventions to reduce or eliminate heart disease. |
| DIETITIAN CORNER:
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Food is an important part of many holidays, celebrations and family traditions. Many people put on a few pounds during these times but consider these tips on holiday eating to prevent excessive weight gain.
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| MY FAVORITES
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December's Pick:
I love giving Harry & David gourmet pears for holiday gifts! They appeal to most people and are a real treat which can even be shipped for free! Of course there are a variety of other treats which includes 'fruit of the month' , nuts and popcorn!
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