Beyond Cholesterol: Key Blood Markers for Heart Health

Maintaining Cardiovascular Health: Beyond Cholesterol and Triglycerides Spain - A recent video by Dr. Isabel Vina, a physician and health influencer, highlights the importance of considering additional blood markers beyond the commonly known cholesterol and triglyceride levels for a complete picture of cardiovascular health. Dr. Vina, whose podcast "Tus amigas las hormonas" focuses on women's health, emphasizes the need for a more holistic approach to heart health. "It's not enough to just look at cholesterol and triglycerides," explains Dr. Vina in her video. "We need to consider other factors like lipoproteins, hsCRP, and homocysteine to get a true understanding of our cardiovascular risk." Lipoprotein A, she explains, is a critical marker that should be measured at least once in a lifetime, according to the latest guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology. Elevated levels of hsCRP indicate chronic low-grade inflammation, a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine, a byproduct of methionine metabolism, is another important marker, with levels above 10 mg/dL associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. Dr. Vina's video underscores the importance of regular health checkups and comprehensive blood tests for early detection and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. By understanding these additional markers, individuals can work with their doctors to take proactive steps to protect their heart health.