The American Heart Association now says that people should get a simple blood test to help determine whether they are at high risk for a heart attack.

The test measures the inflammation within the body.

After a Time Magazine cover story revealed that scientists are looking at the connection between chronic inflammation and serious illness and disease including colon cancer, Alzheimer’s, and stroke, the fight to uncover hidden inflammation has begun.

It is somewhat of a silent killer. Chronic inflammation is not always apparent on the outside of the body. But it can be deadly.

The theory that researchers have is that inflammation, which is the body’s super immune system response to disease and invasion, can sometimes go haywire. Essentially, what happens is the inflammation response does not turn off when its job is done and actually starts attacking the body itself.

This response or malfunction, is not always apparent.

That’s why this blood test could be so important. It measures the CRP (which stands for C-reactive protein) levels in the bloodstream. This level, which reveals inflammation within the body, could be the best indicator of a persons risk level, not only for heart attacks, but even for stroke, colon cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes.

It is said to be a greater indicator of risk than smoking, eating habits, genetics, age, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure levels. And it can be done with a blood test.

In addition, there are proven ways to reduce these CRP levels in the body, including upping intake of Vitamin C, eating a very moderate and small amount of dark chocolate twice a week, adhering to a Mediterranean diet, increasing fiber intake, flossing and staying away from refined carbs.

In addition, other risk factors can be modified or eliminated, such as the higher risk for those who take the birth control pill, or for people who don’t get enough sleep, who don’t floss, or are overweight. These are all factors that can possibly be changed and as a result, reduce that person’s risk of cardiovascular mishaps.

Other risks come from less easily modified factors, such as people who get frequent infections or have chronic allergies.

Some of these risk factors can be eliminated, while others can’t and mean that person probably should keep a closer eye on the CRP levels.

Getting the blood test to gauge your CRP level will also give you a baseline number to work with as you grown older and your risk might increase.

According to the American Heart Association, anyone with a CRP level of at least 3 milligrams per liter is considered high risk. The average person in America will have a level of between 1 and 3 milligrams per liter. Those with the lowest risk of heart disease have less than 1 milligram per liter. Anyone who has an abnormally high level of CRP, such as 10 milligrams per liter will need to be retested after several weeks. Usually a level that high is the result of an infection.

Author Bio: Frank Yocanis has been researching and writing about Antioxidant Supplements for the past decade. He has even traveled to the Sonoran desert half a dozen times to study how Nopalea contains amazing properties that help with all kinds of joint pain, including swollen ankles. He is excited to share how this antioxidant-rich drink can change your life.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
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