C-reactive protein outpaced 'bad' cholester as leading heart disease risk marker
18 hours ago
- #prevention
- #heart-disease
- #inflammation
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is a better predictor of heart disease risk than cholesterol.
- CRP levels indicate inflammation, with high levels (>3 mg/dL) increasing heart disease risk.
- 52% of Americans have elevated CRP levels.
- Inflammation plays a key role in atherosclerosis, leading to heart attacks and strokes.
- Diet, weight loss, and exercise can lower CRP levels.
- Cholesterol remains relevant, but particle count (apolipoprotein B) is a better risk predictor.
- Lipoprotein(a) is a genetic marker that increases heart disease risk.
- Preventing heart disease requires managing multiple risk factors, including diet, exercise, sleep, and stress.