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Cardiologist Says These 3 Blood Tests Could Save You From Heart Disease
They can help assess your risk for heart attack, stroke, Afib, and more.
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Heart Surgeon Reveals 3 Essential Lab Tests to Assess Your Cardiovascular Risk
In a recent online video, Dr. Jeremy London, a board-certified heart surgeon, highlighted three crucial lab tests that individuals should consider to assess their risk for heart disease. Dr. London explained that beyond standard cholesterol panels, focusing on specific markers can provide a more accurate picture of cardiovascular health. According to Dr. London, the first key test is LDL-C, commonly known as 'bad cholesterol,' which is a standard measure on routine panels and a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. He then introduced Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), describing it as a '30,000-foot view' of dangerous cholesterol particles. Dr. London stressed the importance of ApoB, stating that it's the absolute number of these particles, not just cholesterol content, that significantly increases cardiovascular risk. The third and final test Dr. London discussed is Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a). He explained that Lp(a) is a genetically determined lipoprotein that, if elevated, significantly increases an individual's risk of heart attack and stroke. Unlike LDL-C and ApoB, Lp(a) levels are not lowered by lifestyle modifications. However, Dr. London noted that medications directly targeting Lp(a) are currently in clinical trials, offering future hope for managing this risk factor.
