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The Cardiovascular Profile
Every year, millions of Australians end up in hospitals, suffering with cardiovascular disease. A condition that is largely preventable and indeed can be reversed.
Despite the most advanced technologies and drug therapies available, cardiovascular disease continues to be our nations #1 killer of both men and women.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is now the leading cause of death worldwide.
Conventional testing for cardiovascular disease relies heavily upon just a few often misleading lab values, such as cholesterol (“good” and “bad”), and triglycerides.
If these are not out of the normal range, individuals are commonly told they are at low risk.
The Cardiovascular profile moves beyond conventional assessments and into inflammatory markers and 21st century medicine genetic screening.
The Cardiovascular Profile includes testing for the following cardiovascular disease markers:
C-Reactive Protein – High Sensitivity
Studies have shown that measuring C-Reactive Protein (CRP) with a high sensitivity test can help identify risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
High Sensitivity CRP is an indicator of the level of inflammation in the blood vessels.
It is inflammation in the blood vessels that contributes not only to the formation of plaque but also to tissue damage, organ destruction, as well as potential blood clots and heart attacks.
In fact, some researchers say that CRP is a better predictor of your risk of heart disease than cholesterol levels are.
This test is different from the regular CRP test, which detects elevated levels of CRP in people with infections and inflammatory diseases.
Fibrinogen
Fibrinogen is a type of plasma glycoprotein synthesised in the liver, that is responsible for the coagulation of blood.
While fibrinogen levels are elevated, a person’s risk of developing a blood clot may be increased and, over time, they could contribute to an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease.
Fibrinogen concentrations may rise sharply in any condition that causes inflammation or tissue damage (acute infections, cancer, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, inflammatory disorders, trauma).
MTHFR gene
Genetic variations on the MTHFR gene determine how active the MTHFR enzyme is.
These variations can cause up to a 70% reduction in the MTHFR activity and can cause an increase of homocysteine levels through disruption to folate metabolism.
Homocysteine
Researches have shown a link between high levels of this amino acid and early development of coronary heart disease, deep vein thrombosis, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, Type 2 Diabetes, obesity and many other diseases.
The main causes of high Homocysteine levels are folate deficieny, insufficient B12 and genetic mutations in the MTHFR gene.
Lipid Studies
A full lipid profile includes; Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides, LDL/HDL Ratio, Chol/HDL Ratio.
High cholesterol is not the underlying cause of heart disease as we are led to believe.
The truth is systemic inflammation resulting in “injury” to the arterial endothelium is the major contributing factor, therefore identifying and reducing inflammation is essential.
An adequate amount of cholesterol is essential for good health, as our body uses it to build cell membranes, make hormones, produce bile acids, which allows the body to digest food, and to make your metabolism work more efficiently.
However, high levels of cholesterol can be very damaging to arteries, especially if there is any accompanying inflammation.
Fasting Glucose
The fasting blood glucose level test is used to screen for and diagnose diabetes.
It is important part of screening for cardiovascular disease as well, as diabetes is a major risk factor for hypertension, stroke, heart attack, atherosclerosis.
New finding suggests that patients with high levels of blood sugar in the nondiabetic range face a substantial risk of coronary heart disease as well.
Co Enzyme Q10
Co Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is essential for all energy-dependent processes in the heart, including heart-muscle contraction.
In addition it has an antioxidant, a free radical scavenging and a vasodilator effect which may be helpful in cardiovascular conditions.
CoQ10 inhibits LDL oxidation and thus halts the progression of atherosclerosis.
CoQ10 also decreases proinflammatory cytokines and decreases blood viscosity which is helpful in patients of heart failure and coronary artery disease.
It is very important to regularly measure CoQ10 levels if you are on Statin Drugs. We discuss the very real and concerning issues of stating drugs in the section on Iatrogenesis.
Why Get Tested Through The Spinal Centre?
Firstly, you will save yourself the time and hassle of having to go and wait at your GP’s clinic for an appointment.
The Qualified team are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the Cardiovascular Profile, and will send you your test referral directly.
All you need to do then is go to your nearest Healthscope collection centre to have your sample taken for testing – we will even tell you where this is!
When we receive your results, we look at what your levels are, and what they should be for optimal health. We don’t just look at standard references ranges given by test labs, which is how blood tests are often interpreted.
The results of your tests in conjunction with your health history and presenting complaints may also indicate the need for further testing to assess the whole picture of your health.
The Testing Process
Once you have purchased your test, one of the Integrative Medicine Practitioners will contact you with details of your nearest Healthscope collection centre for you to have your blood sample taken.
Please Note – This test profile can only be used by people with access to Healthscope Collection Centres (Australia wide), as blood samples need to be drawn.
To find out where your nearest Healthscope Collection Centre is, click here.
Once your results have been processed, your Practitioner will analyse the test results for you and provide an easy-to-understand but comprehensive manual and report.
The comprehensive manual will show you:
- What your level of hs CRP, Fibrinogen, Homocysteine, Lipid Studies and Fasting Glucose are, and what they should be
- If there is a variation of the MTHFR gene, which can affect the way the body metabolises folate and increases the risk of disease
- What is the best strategy to reduce your risk and prevent cardiovascular conditions
- How the different foods in your diet may be affecting your results
- Which exact natural medicine is right for you based on your individual results
- What dosages and best time to take your natural medicine
- Dietary and lifestyle suggestions and information to promote optimal health
- Ongoing online support from Dr. Hooper and The Team to help you implement the dietary and lifestyle changes and get the best results from the Test
What Does The Cost Cover
The website cost for the Nutrient Status Profile covers the test referral, the test itself, processing of all information and interpretation and collation of final results into your personalised comprehensive report.
Fees for physical transportation to your nearest collection centre are to be covered by yourself at time of appointment.
To Purchase the Profile follow the link to The Spinal Centre Store – The Cardiovascular Profile.
