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Key Markers for Longevity
Monday 3rd July 2023
It's not all about LDL and HDL And Cholesterol, though it does give you a rough picture of your heart health.
Medical research is now questioning whether this is sensitive enough to understand a patient's risk of cardiovascular disease and suggesting other biomarkers. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8540246/ dated 2021
These markers include Apoprotein B, which increases the risk of heart disease. If you think of LDL as a bus which carries around lots of these little proteins called apoprotein B which is an indicator of atherosclerosis (plaque in the arteries). Therefore, it's not just the number of LDL or buses but more importantly how much it's carrying.
If you are a constantly craving and eating sugar , this maybe a sign of insulin dysregulation as the glucose is not getting into the cell, and creating sticky blood and storing excess glucose into the liver turning excess carbs into triglycerides. This then packages into LDL which travels into the blood stream. Key signs of sugar cravings and weight gain, could be a precursor to cardiovascular disease.
Hba1C is the amount of glucose within 2-3 months (life of a red blood cell) as the glucose sticks to the red blood cell. Though this could take a while for the levels to rise. A more sensitive indicator is a glucose tolerance test , where you drink a glucose drink, and after 90 minutes check blood glucose levels. If glucose remains elevated, this is a sign of prediabetes and a long term risk of CVD due to insulin resistance. If you feel tired and crave sugar and your Hba1C is within range, get this checked.
Key nutrient factors essential for heart health are Vitamin D, B12, Folate, B6, Magnesium and COQ10 (which statins deplete). Full thyroid check as hypothyroidism can lead to elevated cholesterol, hypothyroid can be corrected through nutrition, lifestyle and/or medication.
LIFESTYLE TIPS
Keeping your weight within range, check your BMI. Along with a healthy lifestyle, including minimal alcohol, no smoking, exercise both cardio and resistance, along with intermittent fasting.
Lowering stress levels by support vagus nerve (longest nerve in the body from the brain to the gut) - splashing cold water on temples when rising, humming, taping around face - it sounds woo woo but I encourage you to try this and check the science out.
KEY BLOOD MARKERS
- ApoA and ApoB
- Triglycerides
- Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL, HDL and non HDL cholesterol
- Hba1C
- Glucose tolerance test (can be completed at home)
- Vitamin D, B12, Folate, B6, Magnesium, Coq10
- Thyroid Panel
- CRP (inflammation marker)
Take your health into your own hands.
