Cardiovascular Health

Cardio- Vascular Health

In the U.S., every 34 seconds, someone has a heart attack and every 60 seconds, someone dies from a heart disease-related event. Know your results sooner by getting tested with Vibrant America’s complete cardiovascular menu.

Tests we offer

Cardiovascular Health

Cardio- Vascular Health

Heart disease refers to a variety of conditions that affect the heart—from infections to genetic defects and blood vessel diseases. Most heart disease can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle, yet it’s the number-one health threat in the world, so it’s important that your know your cardiovascular numbers. Vibrant America offers the most relevant tests available to assess your risk or for monitoring current conditions.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, and compared to men, women are just as likely to have a heart attack. However, more women than men die from heart disease each year and women are more likely than men to die after their first heart attack.

Reduce Your Risk!

Controlling some of your risk factors may help you reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke by:

Decreasing your alcohol intake
Consuming a diet that is low in fats, sugar, salt and cholesterol, but high in fruits and veggies, whole grains and omega-3’s

Exercise, exercise, exercise
Quit smoking
Controlling your BP, cholesterol, diabetes, and weight

Heart Disease Risk Factors

High LDL cholesterol
High blood pressure/hypertension
Smoking
Diabetes
Overweight/obesity

Diets high in saturated fats and cholesterol
Physical inactivity
Excessive alcohol use
Family history

Cardiovascular Health Tests

Cardio- Vascular Health Tests

Lipid Profile

Cholesterol

Total serum cholesterol analysis is useful in the diagnosis of hyperlipoproteinemia, atherosclerosis, hepatic and thyroid diseases, as well as the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

HDL Direct

HDL (the “healthy” or “good” cholesterol) is inversely related to the risk for cardiovascular disease. It increases following regular exercise, moderate alcohol consumption and with oral estrogen therapy. Decreased levels are associated with obesity, stress, cigarette smoking and diabetes mellitus.

LDL Direct

LDL is the “bad” cholesterol. Even within the normal range of total cholesterol concentrations, an increase in LDL cholesterol can produce an associated increased risk for cardiovascular disease. LDL cholesterol binds to receptor sites on macrophages in blood vessel walls inciting several changes to the blood wall which enhance atherosclerotic plaque development.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are fats from the food we eat that are carried in the blood. Most of the fats we eat, including butter, margarine and oils, are in triglyceride form. Excess calories, alcohol or sugar in the body turn into triglycerides and are stored in fat cells throughout the body. This test will measure the amount of triglycerides in the blood.

Apolipoproteins

Apolipoprotein A-1

Apo A-1 represents the “good” cholesterol, so higher levels are best. Apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A-1) has been reported to be a better predictor than HDL cholesterol and triglycerides for coronary artery disease. Low levels of Apo A-1 in serum are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease. Measurement of Apo A-1 may be of value in identifying patients with atherosclerosis.

Apolipoprotein B

Apo B represents the “bad” cholesterol, so lower levels are best. Apo B is the main structural component of the non-HDL lipoproteins, including VLDL, IDL, LDL and Lp(a). Each Apo B molecule is attached to one LDL particle and is therefore more representative of actual atherogenic particles than LDL, which represents cholesterol content of lipoproteins.

Inflammation

PLAC

The PLAC® Test for Lp-PLA2 activity measures the function of Lp-PLA2 in the artery wall— a vascular-specific inflammatory marker critical in the formation of rupture-prone plaque. Lp- PLA2 activity is a novel risk predictor in people with no prior history of cardiovascular events with a prognostic value independent of standard lipid profile testing. The greater the Lp-PLA2 Activity, the greater the risk of fatal and non-fatal coronary heart disease (CHD) events. A PLAC test may sometimes be used along with an hs-CRP test to evaluate a person’s level of underlying inflammation associated with Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk. However, unlike hs-CRP, the PLAC test is not affected by conditions other than CVD that can cause general inflammation, so it may be used when someone has an inflammatory condition, such as arthritis.

Homocysteine

Homocysteine may be ordered as part of a screen for people at high risk for heart attack or stroke. It may be useful for someone who has a family history of coronary artery disease but no other known risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, or obesity. It may be an early indicator of Vitamin B12 and Folate deficiency, even before those tests show abnormal results.

hs-CRP

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein that the liver makes when there is inflammation in the body. It’s also called a marker of inflammation, and can be measured with an hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) test. Inflammation is a way for the body to protect itself from injuries or infections, and inflammation can be caused by smoking, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. Excessive inflammation has been linked to heart disease.

Oxidized LDL

Oxidized LDL is LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) that has been modified by oxidation. Oxidized LDL triggers inflammation leading to the formation of plaque in the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL may also play a role in increasing the amount of triglycerides the body produces, as well as increasing the amount of fat deposited by the body. In turn, fat tissue can enhance the oxidation of LDL, creating a vicious cycle.

MPO

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme is found in neutrophil primary granules and monocyte lysosomes. MPO catalyzes the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid. MPO is encoded by a single gene that undergoes posttranslational modification to produce the active enzyme found in leukocytes.

Myocardial Stress

NT-proBNP

NT-proBNP is primarily secreted from the cardiac ventricular myocytes in response to cardiac stress. NT-proBNP is a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool as elevated levels may indicate the presence of an underlying cardiac disorder.

Lipoprotein Markers

sdLDL

Small dense low-density lipoprotein transports cholesterol and triglycerides throughout the body. The smaller the particles, the more likely it is that they will get “stuck” in the artery wall, thus forming a build-up. A high result may indicate that a patient is at risk for cardiovascular disease. Lower numbers may indicate that you have fewer large “fluffy” particles, which are less likely to get stuck in the wall of the arteries.

Lp(a)

Elevated Lp(a) is an inherited condition for four different types of vascular disease: CAD (coronary artery disease), PVD (peripheral vascular disease), ischemic stroke, and AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm). Lp(a) is very resistant to treatment and it is important to aggressively treat all associated atherogenic lipoprotein abnormalities.

Fatty Acids

Omega-3 & Omega-6

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with a double bond (C=C) at the third carbon atom from the end of the carbon chain. The three types of omega-3 fatty acids involved in human physiology are α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The American Heart Association and the European Society for Cardiology recommend dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. In contrast to omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids (eg, arachidonic acid [AA]) and their metabolites are more proinflammatory than anti-inflammatory. Increased consumption of omega-6 fatty acids in place of saturated fats and trans fats is associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease.

Lipid Profile

Cholesterol

Total serum cholesterol analysis is useful in the diagnosis of hyperlipoproteinemia, atherosclerosis, hepatic and thyroid diseases, as well as the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Apolipoprotein A-1 Apo A-1 represents the “good” cholesterol, so higher levels are best. Apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A-1) has been reported to be a better predictor than HDL cholesterol and triglycerides for coronary artery disease. Low levels of Apo A-1 in serum are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease. Measurement of Apo A-1 may be of value in identifying patients with atherosclerosis. Apolipoprotein B Apo B represents the “bad” cholesterol, so lower levels are best. Apo B is the main structural component of the non-HDL lipoproteins, including VLDL, IDL, LDL and Lp(a). Each Apo B molecule is attached to one LDL particle and is therefore more representative of actual atherogenic particles than LDL, which represents cholesterol content of lipoproteins.

Inflammation

Lp PLA2 This enzyme plays a role in the inflammation of blood vessels. A build-up of unstable fatty plaque deposits in the arteries can lead to blockages in the blood vessels and may eventually cause a heart attack, brain damage, or stroke. PLAC is an independent risk marker for cardiovascular disease and other heart diseases. Homocysteine Homocysteine may be ordered as part of a screen for people at high risk for heart attack or stroke. It may be useful for someone who has a family history of coronary artery disease but no other known risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, or obesity. It may be an early indicator of Vitamin B12 and Folate deficiency, even before those tests show abnormal results. hs-CRP C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein that the liver makes when there is inflammation in the body. It’s also called a marker of inflammation, and can be measured with an hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) test. Inflammation is a way for the body to protect itself from injuries or infections, and inflammation can be caused by smoking, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. Excessive inflammation has been linked to heart disease. Oxidized LDL Oxidized LDL is LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) that has been modified by oxidation. Oxidized LDL triggers inflammation leading to the formation of plaque in the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL may also play a role in increasing the amount of triglycerides the body produces, as well as increasing the amount of fat deposited by the body. In turn, fat tissue can enhance the oxidation of LDL, creating a vicious cycle. MPO Myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme is found in neutrophil primary granules and monocyte lysosomes. MPO catalyzes the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid. MPO is encoded by a single gene that undergoes posttranslational modification to produce the active enzyme found in leukocytes.

Myocardial Stress

NT-proBNP NT-proBNP is primarily secreted from the cardiac ventricular myocytes in response to cardiac stress. NT-proBNP is a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool as elevated levels may indicate the presence of an underlying cardiac disorder.

Lipoprotein Markers

sdLDL Small dense low-density lipoprotein transports cholesterol and triglycerides throughout the body. The smaller the particles, the more likely it is that they will get “stuck” in the artery wall, thus forming a build-up. A high result may indicate that a patient is at risk for cardiovascular disease. Lower numbers may indicate that you have fewer large “fluffy” particles, which are less likely to get stuck in the wall of the arteries. Lp(a) Elevated Lp(a) is an inherited condition for four different types of vascular disease: CAD (coronary artery disease), PVD (peripheral vascular disease), ischemic stroke, and AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm). Lp(a) is very resistant to treatment and it is important to aggressively treat all associated atherogenic lipoprotein abnormalities.

Fatty Acids

Omega-3 & Omega-6 Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with a double bond (C=C) at the third carbon atom from the end of the carbon chain. The three types of omega-3 fatty acids involved in human physiology are α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The American Heart Association and the European Society for Cardiology recommend dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. In contrast to omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids (eg, arachidonic acid [AA]) and their metabolites are more proinflammatory than anti-inflammatory. Increased consumption of omega-6 fatty acids in place of saturated fats and trans fats is associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease.

HOW DO YOU ORDER VIBRANT’S CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH TEST?

Vibrant’s cardiovascular health test is only available to order through your provider. If your physician is not in our network, please contact us.

Know Your Numbers!

Every year, about 600,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That is about 1 out of every 4 deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.

% Heart Disease Deaths by Ethnicity

Know Your Numbers!

% Heart Disease Deaths by Ethnicity

Regulatory Statement

This test has been developed and its performance characteristics determined by the CLIA-certified laboratory performing the test. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although FDA does not currently clear or approve laboratory-developed tests in the U.S., certification of the laboratory is required under CLIA to ensure the quality and validity of the tests.

References

1. Murphy SL, Xu JQ, Kochanek KD. Deaths: Final data for 2010. Natl Vital Stat Rep.2013;61(4). http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr61/nvsr61_04.pdf[PDF-3M]

2. Go AS, Mozaffarian D, Roger VL, Benjamin EJ, Berry JD, Blaha MJ, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2014 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2014 ;128.

3. Heidenreich PA, Trogdon JG, Khavjou OA, et al. Forecasting the future of cardiovascular disease in the United States: a policy statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2011;123:933-44. Epub 2011 Jan 24.

4. Heron M. Deaths: Leading causes for 2008.[PDF-2.7M] National vital statistics reports. 2012;60(6).

5. CDC. Disparities in Adult Awareness of He`art Attack Warning Signs and Symptoms—14 States, 2005. MMWR. 2008;57(7):175–179.

6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. State Specific Mortality from Sudden Cardiac Death: United States, 1999. MMWR. 2002;51(6):123–126.

7. CDC. Million Hearts: strategies to reduce the prevalence of leading cardiovascular disease risk factors. United States, 2011.MMWR2011;60(36):1248–51.