Reviewed by William Epperly, MD, Forum Health Bloomingdale
At a Glance:
- Inflammation in the body poses a real threat to your cardiovascular system and may increase your risk for heart disease.
- Dr. Eppery shares his first-hand experience from a two-day preceptorship on cardiovascular disease detection and prevention.
- The tests available to measure inflammation to inform your prevention strategy for a healthier heart.
For years, you may have heard that cholesterol is the biggest risk factor for heart disease and that statin drugs work by lowering cholesterol. The reality is a bit different.
During a two-day preceptorship on cardiovascular disease detection and prevention approved for CME credit by the American Academy of Family Practice, Dr. Epperly discovered that, “statins don’t reduce heart disease by lowering cholesterol—they lower heart disease by lowering INFLAMMATION.”
During this training, Dr. Epperly learned about the real underlying causes of cardiovascular disease—how to detect it and how to minimize all contributing factors. He explored state-of-the-art detection methods, including ultrasound imaging, blood testing, and even targeted genetic testing. The biggest takeaway, inflammation may pose the greatest risk to cardiovascular disease.
How Inflammation is a Risk Factor for Developing Heart Disease and What Assesment Looks Like
Think of inflammation as a fire burning inside your arteries. If you want to fight cardiovascular disease, your goal should be to put out that fire.
The experts behind this approach to cardiovascular disease detection and prevention are pioneering a new science called Arteriology—the study of arteries and how to keep them healthy. The mission? To ensure that stroke and heart attack are no longer the leading causes of death in America.
These doctors are now ordering more comprehensive cardiovascular screening tests beyond the standard fasting lipids and blood sugar. One of the key tests is the hs-CRP, or high sensitivity C-reactive protein test. This test measures inflammation in the body because the liver produces CRP whenever inflammation is present—anywhere.
It’s just as important as a lipid panel in predicting cardiac and stroke risk, which is why it’s becoming a more common tool. But even the hs-CRP test has its limitations. Since it measures general inflammation, it can be elevated due to an infected tooth, a gout attack, or any other inflammatory condition in your body.
Now, researchers have identified even more specific markers of inflammation.
One test stands out when it comes to cardiovascular disease risk—the Lp-PLA2 test, also known as the PLAC test. This FDA-approved test is highly specific for vascular inflammation, giving you a clearer picture of your cardiovascular health. Even better, it can be monitored every three months to assess whether your treatment plan is effectively reducing your risk.
Wondering if you might be at risk for developing heart disease due to increased inflammation? Ask your Forum Health provider about advanced testing and get started on your path to better health.
