 |
|
|
|
|
| [an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
In January, the American Heart Association and the CDC issued new guidelines urging doctors to consider testing millions of Americans at moderate risk for heart disease for signs of inflammation, a painless and major trigger of heart trouble. Recent evidence suggests that high blood levels of a substance called C-reactive protein are associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The new recommendations may affect up to 40 percent of United States adults, already judged to be at risk of heart disease based on factors such as age, high cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure. In the U.S., an average CRP reading is 1.5, while studies indicate that when levels hit 3, the risk rises dramatically.
As reported in a recent issue of Medical Update featuring an interview with the scientist linked to the discovery of the role of inflammation in heart disease, Dr. Paul Ridker, C-reactive protein is a test that measures levels of inflammation. The test costs between $10 and $20 to perform and is available at labs and hospitals across the country. Exercise, smoking cessation, aspirin, weight reduction, and statin drugs used to reduce cholesterol are among the measures that individuals can take to prevent or lower elevated CRP levels.
|
