About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Cardiac Risk Markers Test
Introduction
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of death worldwide. To assess the risk of developing heart disease, doctors rely on cardiac risk markers tests. These tests help detect underlying conditions and predict the likelihood of future cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.
What are Cardiac Risk Markers?
Cardiac risk markers are measurable substances in the blood that indicate the presence of cardiovascular disease or the risk of developing it. These markers include:
- Cholesterol Levels: Total cholesterol, LDL ("bad" cholesterol), HDL ("good" cholesterol), and triglycerides.
- C-reactive protein (CRP): Indicates inflammation in the body, which is linked to heart disease.
- Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]: A genetic marker for cardiovascular risk.
- Homocysteine: Elevated levels can indicate a higher risk of blood vessel damage.
- Troponins: Proteins released when the heart muscle is damaged (often used for detecting heart attacks).
- BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide): Elevated levels are associated with heart failure.
- HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin): Measures long-term blood sugar levels, linking diabetes to heart diseases.
Why is This Test Important?
A cardiac risk marker test helps in:
- Early Detection: Identifying issues before symptoms appear.
- Personalized Prevention Plans: Lifestyle changes, medications, and medical interventions can be recommended based on results.
- Monitoring High-Risk Individuals: People with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of heart disease benefit from regular testing.
Who Should Get Tested?
You should consider a cardiac risk markers test if you have:
- A family history of heart disease.
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes or prediabetes.
- A high cholesterol level.
- A sedentary lifestyle or unhealthy diet.
- Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
How to Prepare for the Test?
- Fast for 9-12 hours before a cholesterol or lipid panel test.
- Avoid strenuous exercise before testing troponins or BNP levels.
- Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.
Conclusion
Cardiac risk marker tests are essential tools for assessing heart health and preventing cardiovascular diseases. Regular monitoring, combined with a healthy lifestyle, can significantly reduce the risk of heart-related complications.
Stay proactive about your heart health and consult your doctor for a personalized risk assessment!
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines on Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
- https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000677
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24222018/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/03/07/16/00/2019-ACC-AHA-Guideline-on-Primary-Prevention-gl-prevention
- https://www.uptodate.com/contents/calculator-cardiovascular-risk-assessment-in-adults-10-year-acc-aha-2013-patient-education
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-Prevention-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-and-Diabetes-Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34458905/
- https://www.portailvasculaire.fr/sites/default/files/docs/2021_esc_guidelines_prevention_cardiovasculaire_ehj.pdf
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.