A simple blood test can reveal a person’s risk of a heart attack years before symptoms appear. According to Dr. Keshava R, a cardiologist at Manipal Hospital, monitoring C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the blood can detect silent inflammation and predict cardiovascular health.
CRP is an important marker of inflammation in the body. It rises in response to conditions like infections or when a patient is on a ventilator. Normal CRP levels range from 1-3 mg/L, indicating low risk of any ailments. However, elevated levels above 3 mg/L put individuals at a higher risk of developing vascular and heart disease.
A more specific variant of the test, high-sensitive CRP (hs-CRP), measures low levels of inflammation in blood vessels. It’s used to assess cardiovascular and vascular health as well as future risk of heart attacks and other heart ailments.
While hs-CRP can provide valuable insights into overall vascular health, it’s essential to rule out infections before considering the test a true indicator of vascular health. The current medical guidelines don’t clearly define how long statins should be prescribed specifically for hs-CRP reduction or what clinical targets exist in this context.
Despite its limitations, hs-CRP is an important marker that adds another layer to detecting silent inflammation in the body, which could be an early warning sign of a serious cardiovascular problem. Dr. Keshava emphasizes that traditional risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, and obesity remain primary concerns, but hs-CRP provides additional insight into overall vascular health.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/cardiologist-explains-how-a-simple-blood-test-can-predict-heart-attack-risk-years-in-advance-before-symptoms-appear-101752850322070.html