C Reactive Protein
C Reactive Protein and Heart Disease
As the fight against heart disease, the nation’s biggest cause of death, continues, new instruments for identifying high-risk individuals are being created. Because they differ from patient to patient, the symptoms of coronary heart disease—chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and an irregular pulse—can be challenging to diagnose. Furthermore, there are numerous other medical issues that similar symptoms may indicate.
The good news is that coronary heart disease can be detected early on using a number of low-tech diagnostic techniques, potentially saving lives. As of late, medical professionals have discovered that blood vessels that are inflamed are indicated by the presence of a material known as C-Reactive Protein. When blood arteries leading to the heart are injured, the body releases C-Reactive protein into the bloodstream.
What we know about C-Reactive Protein and Heart Disease
- The predictive value of screening blood samples for total and HDL (good) cholesterol levels is increased when this protein is tested.
- Doctors’ ability to forecast the risk of heart disease may be increased by C-reactive protein testing.
- The likelihood of experiencing a heart attack or stroke increases with a higher the concentration of C-Reactive protein.
- The amount of protein shows how much inflammation is present in the artery lining.
- Even in patients who are otherwise low-risk, C-reactive protein levels are predictive of coronary events.
- Normal blood pressure and cholesterol are found in half of heart attack victims.
- When arteries become inflamed, C-reactive protein is found in the liver.
- C-reactive protein measurement is emerging as a new marker for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease.
- It is currently understood that elevated C-Reactive protein (CRP) levels are a separate risk factor for coronary artery disease.
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A cure for coronary heart disease does not exist
To prevent the coronary arteries from narrowing even more, atherosclerosis can be treated effectively. In fact, it can even be stopped in its tracks. For those with coronary heart disease, treatment can also help lower their chance of having a heart attack. Changing one’s lifestyle to lower risk factors is the first line of defense against coronary heart disease. Heart patients should follow a low-fat diet and maintain low blood cholesterol, according to medical professionals. In the opinion of the majority of doctors, individuals with coronary heart disease should have LDL Levels below 100 mg/dl. In addition, patients are urged to stop smoking, engage in regular exercise, and manage their diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure with food and medicine.
I am getting a check up next week and they want to a C Reactive Protein test. Chances are it will be just fine but they want me to come back next month for a follow up.