Cardiovascular Health Matters: Uncovering risks beyond cholesterol

Jo Stoate
Mar 5
3 min read

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death for men and the second most common for women. Despite its prevalence, many people don't fully understand the markers that provide a comprehensive picture of heart health. Whether you have a family history of CVD, high stress levels, a poor diet, or underlying conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, assessing your cardiovascular risk is crucial. Even if you don’t fall into these categories, being proactive can make all the difference.

Beyond Basic Cholesterol: What You Should Know

Most standard cholesterol tests measure Total Cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and triglycerides. While these markers offer some insight, they don't tell the full story.

A deeper dive into cholesterol testing reveals that lipoprotein particles—which transport cholesterol through the bloodstream—are equally important. The size and type of LDL particles play a key role in cardiovascular risk:

Small, dense LDL particles: These are more likely to penetrate artery walls, contributing to plaque buildup and increasing heart disease risk.
Large, buoyant LDL particles: These are less likely to cause damage, making them a lower-risk factor.

Without measuring LDL particle size and count, a standard cholesterol test leaves a significant gap in understanding your heart health.

Homocysteine: The Overlooked Heart Health Marker

Have you ever tested your homocysteine levels? This amino acid is a key indicator of cardiovascular risk but is often missing from routine heart health screenings.

Homocysteine is produced when the body breaks down methionine, an essential amino acid found in protein-rich foods. While some homocysteine is necessary, high levels can damage blood vessels, increase inflammation, and raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline.

What Affects Homocysteine Levels?

Several factors influence homocysteine levels, including:

Genetics
Lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking, excessive alcohol intake, chronic stress)
Nutritional status (deficiencies in B6, B12, and folate hinder metabolism and lead to high homocysteine levels)

The Good News?

Elevated homocysteine levels can be lowered through targeted nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes. A simple blood test can assess your levels, and increasing B-vitamin-rich foods—such as leafy greens, eggs, fish, and legumes—can help maintain optimal cardiovascular health. If necessary, supplementation can provide additional support however the whole environment does need to be supported.

Other Key Markers for Cardiovascular Health

For a more complete assessment of heart health, consider testing additional markers:

❤️ HSCRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein) – A marker of systemic inflammation strongly linked to CVD.

❤️ Fibrinogen – A protein involved in blood clotting; high levels increase clot formation risk.

❤️ CRP (C-Reactive Protein) – Another measure of inflammation, which plays a key role in heart disease progression.

❤️ Triglycerides – High levels indicate poor metabolic health and increased cardiovascular risk.

❤️ Lp(a) (Lipoprotein(a)) – A lesser-known but significant cholesterol marker tied to genetic risk for CVD. Standard cholesterol tests often miss this.

❤️ Blood pressure and insulin sensitivity – Both are critical indicators of cardiovascular health and metabolic function.

How I Can Help You

There are many functional tests available to assess cardiovascular risk, with options to suit different budgets. Whether you want a comprehensive panel or a targeted test, these insights can help shape a personalised approach to heart health.

Taking a proactive stance today can prevent bigger problems down the line. If you're curious about your heart health markers and want to optimise your wellbeing, get in touch—I’d love to guide you through your next steps!

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