LDL-S3GGE: Size of LDL Particles Small LDL particles cause plaque build-up to progress much faster because they enter the artery wall more easily than large LDL particles Having too many small LDL particles is a powerful risk factor for a heart attack independent of other risk factors, such as, smoking and high blood pressure Certain medications, proper nutrition, and regular exercise can help your body produce fewer small LDL particles
HDL-S10GGE: Size of HDL Particles HDL helps to protect against progression of plaque build-up in the artery wall HDL2b is the workhorse of all of the HDL particle types. HDL2b is the largest of the HDL particle types and has the ability to pick up LDL Certain medications, improved nutrition, loss of body fat, stopping tobacco use, and increased physical activity are some ways that HDL and HDL2b can be improved
ApoB: Accurate LDL Particle Number ApoB is a direct measurement of the number of LDL ("bad cholesterol") particles A high apoB number indicates increased risk for heart disease Improved eating habits, increased physical activity, and loss of body fat are some lifestyle changes that improve apoB Your physician may use apoB to determine if certain medications are needed
Lp(a): Extended Range Lp(a) is a corkscrew-shaped protein attached to some LDL particles High levels of Lp(a) can cause blood to clot too easily, increasing your risk for heart attack and stroke Diet and exercise have limited to no effect on lowering Lp(a); however, certain medications can lower levels Lp(a) is inherited. Your family members may consider getting tested if your level is high
Homocysteine High levels of homocysteine can cause injury to blood vessel walls increasing your risk for heart disease and stroke Blood pressure may increase with high levels Nutrition, such as increasing intake of folate-rich foods, plays an important role in reducing levels of homocysteine
Lp-PLA2 High levels of Lp-PLA2 are linked to inflammation in the artery wall and can predict risk of a heart attack or stroke When both Lp-PLA2 levels and systolic blood pressure are high, stroke risk increases significantly Certain medications can reduce levels of Lp-PLA2, therefore lowering your risks
C-Reactive Protein-hs (CRP) High levels of CRP indicate inflammation within the body due to infection or tissue injury; it can also predict heart disease risk If both CRP and Lp-PLA2 levels are high, your risk for a heart attack or stroke is greatly increased Your Berkeley Clinical Educator can discuss foods that have anti-inflammatory benefits
Fibrinogen — Inflammation Marker Fibrinogen is a part of the blood's clotting process and can be elevated for many reasons Continual high levels are linked to an increased risk for heart disease and other diseases Tobacco use can cause levels to be high Fibrinogen values can be lowered by stopping tobacco use and losing body fat Your physician will decide whether a treatment may be needed
Insulin Insulin is a hormone released from the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels Constant high levels are linked to an increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions High insulin levels can usually be improved with proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management Your physician may begin medications to control blood sugar and insulin levels
NT-proBNP NT-proBNP is a hormone released from the cells of the heart muscle in response to ongoing stress or strain on the heart A high level is a warning signal that your heart is being overworked The early identification of high values may help your physician decide on a treatment plan to identify the cause and lower the risk of a heart disease event before clinical symptoms develop
Vitamin D Vitamin D is a hormone that helps regulate numerous body functions Low Vitamin D levels are associated with a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure Vitamin D levels may be low for a variety of reasons, including insufficient sun exposure, eating diets poor in Vitamin D, and obesity If levels are too low, your physician may recommend Vitamin D supplements
ApoE Genotype ApoE is a genetic test that plays a role in helping to identify how people respond to different amounts of dietary fat. Your body's response to dietary fat impacts the formation of small or large LDL particles There are 3 apoE genotypes - apoE2, apoE3 and apoE4 People with an apoE4 genotype have a greater risk for heart disease Your Berkeley Clinical Educator may use apoE to help guide the right nutrition plan for you
KIF6 The KIF6 genetic test provides genetic (inherited) information about a person's risk for heart disease* People who are KIF6 carriers are at a higher risk for heart attacks compared to those who are noncarriers. This risk is independent of traditional risk factors Knowing your KIF6 results may help your doctor better personalize your treatment plan, which may include medications prescribed for you Appropriate lifestyle is important for KIF6 carriers and noncarriers to help address all heart disease risks
LPA-Aspirin The LPA-Aspirin genetic test provides genetic (inherited) information about a person's risk for heart disease† Patients who are carriers of the LPA-Aspirin genotype variant are at higher risk for heart disease, independent of traditional risk factors Your LPA-Aspirin genotype is one of many pieces of information that may help your doctor determine if aspirin therapy is appropriate for you^ Appropriate lifestyle is important for LPA-Aspirin carriers and noncarriers to help address all risks for heart disease
LPA-Intron 25 Genotype Test The LPA-Intron 25 genotype is a genetic test that can give insight into your risk for heart disease** Patients who are carriers of the LPA-Intron 25 genotype variant may have a higher risk of heart disease compared to those who are noncarriers. This risk is independent of traditional risk factors. Your LPA-Intron 25 test results may influence your healthcare provider's decisions about your treatment plan
9p21 The 9p21 test provides genetic (inherited) information about a person's risk for the following: 1) A heart attack at an early age (women before the age of 60 and men before 50)‡ 2) Abdominal aortic aneurysm# 3) Coronary heart disease regardless of age People who are carriers of the 9p21 DNA variation are at a higher risk for these diseases compared to noncarriers of the gene variant Knowing your 9p21 genetic risk may allow your physician to take steps to further discriminate and help you reduce other risk factors that cause cardiovascular disease development and progression
CYP2C19 Genotype Test CYP2C19 is a genetic test that may help your doctor predict the effectiveness of the drug Plavix®d People who are Poor or Intermediate Metabolizers (as defined by their CYP2C19 genotype) may not be able to metabolize Plavix as effectively as Normal Metabolizers An Ultra-rapid Metabolizer's ability to metabolize Plavix may be enhanced, which may increase the risk of a bleeding problemo The CYP2C19 genotype is only one of many factors that your doctor may consider to help in determining your appropriate treatment regimen. It is essential for all metabolizer types to follow their doctor's treatment plan