Factors that contribute to coronary artery disease are low blood EPA/DHA, elevated c-reactive protein (CRP), excessive LDL (low-density lipoprotein), excess insulin, low HDL (high-density lipoprotein), high glucose levels, nitric oxide deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, excess estrogen, excess triglycerides, low free testosterone, excess fibrinogen, excess homocysteine, hypertension, vitamin K2 deficiency, and oxidized LDL.

CAD affects nearly everyone. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are  omega-3 fatty acids used in our bodies. Our diets are usually deficient in omega-3 fatty acid. CRP is a protein found in the bloodstream when low-level inflammation rises and becomes chronic. Inflammation is typically caused by free radicals. Antioxidants are needs to combat the proliferation of free radicals and reduce inflammation.

There are five major categories of lipoproteins (cholesterol). LDL and HDL are two of them. When the ratio of LDL to HDL becomes out of balance the risk of cardiovascular disease increases. Take the HDL level and divide it into the total cholesterol to determine the optimal ratio. Anything higher than 3.5 to 1 HDL to total cholesterol is undesirable.

We have a metabolic response to the foods we eat. Spinach and bread have carbohydrates. The type and amount of carbohydrates determine the quickness and amount of blood glucose that is created as a result of digesting carbohydrates. When blood glucose levels are continually above normal levels (between 72 to 108 mg/dL when fasting) your risk of heart of other diseases (hyperglycemia, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision problem, and nerve problems).

Nitric oxide (NO) is a vasodilator (relaxes your blood vessels). When there is little to no flexibility in your blood vessels high blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia, and other maladies develop. Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin. Most of us do not get enough. Vitamin D is needed for many functions in the body. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with cardiovascular disease and death.

Each of these factors in CAD can be easily researched by using Google to determine the causes and remedies for each. Part of our personal health monitoring is that we don’t test for many of the risks associated with heart disease or other serious diseases. As a result, we don’t take effective action early enough. Many times our physicals don’t include simple tests that can reveal deficiencies or other imbalances.

I always order CRP, homocysteine, and vitamin D3 test with each annual physical. These tests are easy and relatively cheap and covered by most insurance programs. CRP gives me an assessment of overall inflammation in my body. The lower the better. Most of the time my CRP levels are unmeasurable. Homocysteine is a great heart assessment test – much better than cholesterol. Vitamin D is critical for good health. Most of us are deficient. This is a critical component of our health and very often overlooked.

If you are not eating nutritionally balanced meals (and most of us are not), then you should consider talking to your physician about other tests that will help you better assess your overall health.

 

 

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