Page 2 - Heart Disease Blood Tests

Table of Contents Impact of Lipids on Cardiovascular Health The concept of ideal cardiovascular health Blood lipids and atherosclerosis How does atherosclerosis develop? How to Prevent Atherosclerosis The importance of timing when it comes to lowering cholesterol levels Some people naturally have low cholesterol levels How physicians can help when it comes to lowering cholesterol levels Assessing blood lipids throughout life is vital for achieving ideal health The role of educational institutions in achieving optimal blood lipid levels Conclusions Impact of Lipids on Cardiovascular Health Maintaining a safe level of blood lipids help to lower the risk of developing a dangerous cardiovascular disease at some point during adulthood. Cardiovascular diseases tend to kill millions of people worldwide and they are preventable if individuals maintain optimal health throughout their lives. A cardiovascular disease implies that something is wrong with the heart or the blood vessels. Some good examples of cardiovascular diseases include coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, angina, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. This article summarizes the impact of blood lipid test on cardiovascular health and what you can do to lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease at some point in the future. The concept of ideal cardiovascular health The American Heart Association (AHA) has defined the ideal cardiovascular health using 7 parameters which can be monitored independently. AHA has also created a specific list of behaviors and habits people can put into practice to have a healthier lifestyle and lower their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. For example, having the untreated total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL, having a blood pressure of less than 120/80 mm Hg and a glucose concentration of less than 100 mg/dL can help you prevent most heart-related problems. Unfortunately, less than 5% of people take these parameters into account and maintain optimal health throughout adulthood. The goal of AHA is to help physicians educate their patients and assist them in making better decisions when it comes to influencing the lipids in their blood. This involves making lifestyle changes such as engaging in regular exercise, reducing the intake of saturated fats and avoiding smoking. Blood lipids and atherosclerosis It has been discovered that low-density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol, aka bad cholesterol) play a vital role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is one of the most dangerous cardiovascular diseases out there. It is characterized by a narrowing of the blood vessels as a result of plaque buildup. Plaque is a waxy substance which develops inside blood vessels and arteries. This substance makes the blood vessels narrower and the speed of circulating blood will increase. Atherosclerosis develops over a period of decades and it progresses as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle. When too much plaque builds up in certain vessels, this can cause a rupture which might lead to stroke or a heart attack. How does atherosclerosis develop? Studies show that nearly 90% of all the LDL particles travel around the body through plasma. Some of these LDL particles get trapped in the walls of veins and arteries and they start to create a buildup. It has been discovered that the progression of atherosclerosis is directly related to the absolute plasma LDL levels in the body. As LDL particles circulate through veins and arteries, more of them become trapped by the plaque buildup and cause lager blockages. The atherosclerotic plaque burden can be determined by 2 factors - the amount of exposure to LDL particles and the concentration of low-density lipoproteins and other particles similar to them. It is possible to quantify this burden by multiplying a person’s age by the LDL concentration in the bloodstream. Of course, this gives only an estimate as only complex laboratory investigations can offer a more accurate reading of blood lipids. When the individual is young, the risk of a major cardiovascular event is small as plaque buildup is still in its infancy. However, poor lifestyle choices combined with advanced age can lead to a major deposit of plaque on blood veins and arteries. This can lead to something called thrombus which can block a blood vessel entirely. When this happens, several health conditions can appear such as unstable angina, myocardial infarction (heart attack) or even death. To better understand this concept, let’s look at a real-life example. The incidence of myocardial infarction among people who are 40 years old is about 1% in the United States. That means that one in 100 people might have a heart attack when they reach 40. If we consider that the mean level of LDL-C (which is a form of cholesterol) for these people is 125 mg/dL then this means that the total plaque burden can amount to 40 years x 125 mg/dL = 5,000 mg-years. This is the point when atherosclerotic plaque buildup can significantly increase the risk of developing myocardial infarction or heart attack.   BUY A CHOLESTEROL PANEL   How to Prevent Atherosclerosis Keeping blood lipids at normal level throughout life is one of the best ways to prevent cardiovascular diseases. This means that fewer LDL particles are trapped in the walls of veins and arteries and the exposure to bad cholesterol is limited. Preventing atherosclerosis lead experts to suggest 2 types of approach - primordial prevention and primary prevention. Primordial prevention focuses on minimizing blood lipid levels throughout childhood and adolescence when most of the mean cholesterol levels are inherited from parents. Primary prevention focuses on lifestyle and diet changes, which can reduce the number of lipids in the bloodstream and prevent plaque buildup. Specialists suggest that an optimal level of blood lipids would be 80 mg/dl for LDL - C and less than 200 mg/dl for total plasma cholesterol levels. Achieving these levels and maintaining them throughout adulthood can significantly lower the risk of developing myocardial infarction, even for people who are well over their 40s. It's also important to note that some people can retain more LDL particles than others, so there are no "one-size fits all" when it comes to plaque buildup and preventing it. The importance of timing when it comes to lowering cholesterol levels As mentioned earlier, atherosclerosis tends to develop over time and it is strongly influenced by a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Young adults in their twenties might not experience plaque buildup or any symptoms associated with it, but this doesn’t mean that atherosclerosis might not affect them. That’s why any strategy to lower cholesterol levels should be implemented as early as possible and not wait until plaque has already developed a substantial thickness in arteries and veins. In other words, it’s easier to reduce the LDL-C levels from 120 to 80 mg/dl when a person is in his 20s and prevent major cardiovascular events such as stroke or heart attacks in comparison with a person who is 50 years old. Remember that the total plaque burden is cumulative, so the senior might have a great amount of plaque developed in his circulatory system, which needs to be approached carefully. Plaque building in veins and arteries is not something that can be stopped altogether. It slowly develops starting from childhood and invasive procedures can detect signs of atherosclerosis beginning in early adulthood. However, it might take decades until plaque develops at a massive rate and starts causing problems. With that being said, something can be done to slow down the process of developing plaque. For example, engaging in physical exercises regularly, quitting smoking and eating lots of vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Some people naturally have low cholesterol levels There are numerous genetic variants which indicate that some people are less predisposed to developing plaque than others. This is similar to being involved in cholesterol-reducing therapy throughout the entire life. These individuals have a slower rate of progression when it comes to plaque buildup, and they are less predisposed to cardiovascular diseases. However, this doesn’t mean that people with naturally low cholesterol levels shouldn’t worry about plaque buildup at all. They should also engage in preventative measures to slow down the progression of atherosclerosis, even if they already have a lower risk in comparison with other people. How physicians can help when it comes to lowering cholesterol levels It is commonly accepted that exercise can lower the levels of LDL-C and decreasing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This is true, but specialists discovered that diet could have a larger impact when it comes to cholesterol levels. For example, reducing the intake of saturated fats has been linked with lower levels of LDL-C in the plasma. As a result, a smaller concentration of LDL particles limits the development and progression of atherosclerosis. If this is maintained for decades, the individual in question might never experience a heart attack or a stroke. However, studies show that replacing saturated fats with carbohydrates can lower LDL-C levels in the plasma but increase triglyceride levels. Having high triglyceride levels is a risk factor for heart problems, so it’s not a viable option. Further studies offer a better approach - replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats and protein. This doesn't only lower the LDL-C levels, but also keeps the triglyceride levels at a minimum and prevents a whole suite of cardiovascular problems. On top of that, researchers have found out that a diet rich in fibers can also help in reducing LDL-C levels and lowering the risk for heart disease. People should consume nuts, plant-based protein, plant phytosterols, and polyunsaturated fats to achieve these benefits. By following such a healthy diet for years, patients can help to reduce the plaque buildup acquired in childhood or adolescence and enjoy a healthier and longer life. For some people who are not able to maintain optimal blood lipid levels through diet alone, doctors also recommend taking statin drugs. Small doses of 10mg or 20mg of atorvastatin or ezetimibe can help certain individuals achieve ideal levels of LDL-C in their blood and prevent major cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or strokes. Assessing blood lipids throughout life is vital for achieving ideal health Measuring blood lipids regularly is paramount for people of all ages, even children. Experts recommend taking a blood lipid test once every 3 years to assess the levels of triglycerides, LDL-C and other lipoproteins in the body. Parents might also want to test the lipids levels at birth, when the child is 2 years old, 10 years old, 14 years old and finally, when he reaches 18 years of age. This helps to monitor the inherited plaque burden and see if the adolescent has high cholesterol levels. Based on these results, physicians can recommend lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments to reduce the levels of LDL-C in the blood. These preventative measures help the individual avoid major cardiovascular events when he is 40 years old or older. If the young patient is constantly assessed and his/her blood lipids are optimal, the doctor might recommend continuing with the prescribed diet. The patient should return for a blood test once every 3 years to see if the lipids are below the optimal threshold. In some cases when the blood lipids level increased, the doctor might recommend lipid-lowering therapy. Noninvasive imaging might be used in high-risk individuals to determine the amount of plaque buildup in the blood veins and arteries. If plaque is discovered, the patient can be reassessed to determine if he or she is a good candidate for lipid-lowering therapy. In most cases, patients with high-risk factors such as a family history of cardiac events will benefit from this type of therapy to slow down the rapid progression of atherosclerosis. If plaque is not discovered in the bloodstream, then the patient doesn’t need lipid-lowering therapy. The role of educational institutions in achieving optimal blood lipid levels It is true that healthcare resources are finite and people should do their best to take care of their health and avoid being a burden on the healthcare industry. Irresponsible behavior, which involves eating a lot of junk food, smoking cigarettes and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, can put a serious strain on healthcare providers. One way to alleviate this problem and achieve optimal blood lipid levels is by educating people about cardiovascular diseases from an early age. This can be done if educational institutions such as schools and colleges put an emphasis on blood lipid levels and how to prevent atherosclerosis. Lessons should be taught on how to reduce LDL-C levels, how to engage in regular exercise and what foods are healthier for the heart and circulatory system. On top of that, numerous people, especially teenagers, smoke cigarettes regularly. This bad habit can significantly contribute to the levels of lipids in the blood, not to mention that cigarettes can cause a host of cancers. Schools, high-schools and colleges should make a priority to help adolescents quit smoking and remain cigarette-free for the rest of their lives. By adopting such preventative measures, not only that a large portion of the US population will be healthier, but healthcare costs will also be reduced. The saved money can be redirected to finding cures for cancers or developing new drugs and medicines for diseases that have recently appeared. The educational system might also need to emphasize proper nutrition and offering healthy meals to children and adolescents in primary schools and high schools. Junk foods such as pizza and burgers should be replaced with healthier varieties such as salads, lean protein and nutritious snacks, which include Greek yogurt and nuts. Putting an accent on healthier meals help in reducing the amount of plaque buildup throughout the early stages of life. As a result, these young adults are less predisposed to develop cardiovascular diseases later on in life. Furthermore, they will become health-conscious parents who will also educate their children on how to become better and healthier individuals! Conclusions This article has established that LDL particles are directly responsible for developing atherosclerosis, which can lead to major cardiovascular events. The LDL concentration in the blood combined with the exposure to such particles create the overall risk of heart disease and it can be quantified using both invasive and noninvasive medical procedures. A healthy diet low in saturated fats and rich in fibers and protein can help to reduce the LDL-C levels in the bloodstream. Couple this healthy diet with a regular exercise regimen and individuals can significantly reduce the atherosclerosis progression throughout their lifetimes.

Thanks to advancements in medicine and technology, nowadays it's possible to test the levels of almost any type of substance, hormone or nutrient in the body using a single blood sample. This, type of test can determine the likelihood of developing heart disease in the future. This is the case for cardiac C-reactive protein as well. But what exactly is cCRP or cardiac C-reactive protein? And how is it measured? This article provides answers to all these questions, so keep reading to find out more. Table of Contents What is C-Reactive Protein? What is Cardiac C-Reactive Protein? How is the cCRP Test Performed? What Are the Normal Levels Of cCRP In the Blood? Order Your CRP Test Today What is C-Reactive Protein? C-reactive protein is a type of substance produced by your liver. This protein is produced in response to inflammation in the body. When high levels of inflammation are detected, the liver makes more C-reactive protein to counter its effects. The more inflammation in the human body, the more C-reactive protein is produced. Doctors call this substance a biomarker. By measuring this biomarker, you can tell whether a person has a very inflamed body or whether inflammation can be triggered by a different type of disease or as a result of -intense physical exercises. What is Cardiac C-Reactive Protein? It's important to note that C-reactive protein shows inflammation in the body but doesn't tell where. You need a more sensitive and accurate test for that. This is where cardiac C-reactive protein comes into play. It's also known high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and biomarker for heart disease. Cardiac C-reactive protein is uindicateserson's predisposition to cardiovascular disease. Other tests are performed in c a CRP test to determine if a person is at high risk for heart disease. If the levels of the cCRPCRP are high, you might develop cardiovascular disease in  How is the cCRPCRPt Performed? Before taking the CCRP test, a general health assessment is usually performed. For example, your doctor might take your blood pressure, measure your cholesterol level, and ask you t your lifestyle choices and habits. Based on this assessment, your doctor might order a cCRPCRPt to determine the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in your blood. Generally speaking, the cardiac C-reactive protein test is recommended for people with up to a 10% chance of developing a heart attack in the next ten years. If you're healthy, this test might not mean anything to you. However, you can still order your test online from DiscountedLabs and measure the levels of cCRPCRPyour blood on your own. Once you have the test, you must need a blood sample for analysis. This sample is tested in a certified lab, and the results are mailed back to you in a few business days. Based on the results, you might be required to make lifestyle changes to prevent cardiovascular disease in the future. What Are Normal Levels Of cCRPCRPthe Blood? The levels of cCRPCRPthe blood are important because they can accurately predict cardiovascular disease in most individuals. Here are some basic values for your reference: Levels lower than 1mg /L indicate a low risk of cardiovascular disease Levels between 1mg/L and 3mg/L indicate a moderate risk of cardiovascular disease Levels higher than 3mg/L indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular disease Your doctor will help you interpret your results. As mentioned earlier, you shouldn't panic if your levels are higher than 3mg/L because it should also r your risk of heart disease in the future by making appropriate lifestyle changes. Quitting smoking is one of the best positive changes you can make, maker example. This involves eliminating most junk food you are eating, processed sugar, and refined carbs. You might also want to exercise more often and clean your diet. These lifestyle changes are done gradually to help you keep your blood pressure in check, improve your cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation in the body. Multiple heart attacks can be fatal in some cases, so this test is crucial for these individuals. At the same time, this test is user helpful to people who have already had a heart attack. The results will indicate if the person in question is at risk of having another heart attack in the upcoming years. Order Your CRP Test Today Fortunately, you don't need a doctor's appointment to get your test. Make sure you talk with your doctor for more details, especially if the results worry you. You can order it from DiscountedLabs at an affordable price and compare your results with the reference values mentioned above. Order it from DiscountedLabs at an affordable price and compare your results with the above reference values. Make sure you talk with your doctor for more details, especially if the results worry you. Also, do not hesitate to check out the basic C-reactive protein test to learn more about its purpose, what it represents, and how it can help you in the future.      

Learn why a blood test is important, how it is performed, and how to interpret the numbers. In this video, we will discuss a lipid profile - a group of tests which assesses your risk of developing heart disease. We will also discuss the hemoglobin A1c test.   You likely had blood tests done when you visited your doctor. Do you ever look at the results and understand what they mean? This video will show you what, how and why. The blood sample is drawn from the vein in your arm by a health professional, and it is almost painless. Why is a blood test important? It is an extremely useful diagnostic tool. The results can tell you how your body's functioning and the overall state of your health. Blood tests can be used to screen for disorders, track the progress of medical treatments and alert you of potential health problems, thus helping you take action to prevent or treat them. Therefore, it is important for you to know how to read your results and to understand what the numbers mean. Interpretation of test results: Compare the numbers of your test results to that of the reference or normal ranges given. More importantly, follow the trend of your results with time for a more meaningful interpretation. Please note that the numbers can vary somewhat from laboratory to laboratory. Be sure to always use the reference numbers given by the specific laboratory where your test is done. What does a routine blood test panel include? This blood test panel include many different types of tests for different purposes, such as lipid profile, blood sugar level test, electrolyte levels and liver function tests. It is usually done with fasting blood, that is no foods or drinks except for water for more than 8 to 12 hours before the blood draw. It includes tests for risk factors for common disorders, such as heart disease, diabetes, liver disease and kidney disease, among others. Some of the slides in the above video show examples of some of the common tests that are performed in blood samples. Some of the tests that we will be going over include lipid profile, a comprehensive metabolic panel, measuring glucose levels and hemoglobin A1C, liver function tests, kidney function tests, thyroid function tests and complete blood count. You need to look at the whole picture, not just one of the tests. Lipid profile. It tells you if you have a risk factor for developing heart disease. A panel of tests includes the following, total cholesterol. The recommended level is under 200 milligrams per deciliter. Your body uses cholesterol to help build cells and make hormones. Too much cholesterol in the blood can cause formation of plaques on the walls of your blood vessels and increase your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. HDL or high-density lipoprotein. The recommended level is more than 45 milligrams per deciliter is often referred to as good cholesterol. It helps bind fat in the blood and carry it to the liver for disposal. Low density lipoprotein or LDL. The recommended level is lower than 129 milligrams per deciliter is often referred to as bad cholesterol and is made up of mostly fat and only a small amount of protein. A high level may increase your chances of developing heart disease. Triglycerides are essentially fat in the blood that is used to provide energy to the body. They are your main form of fat. Triglycerides, the recommended level is lower than 200 milligrams per deciliter. A level of 240 to 499 milligrams per deciliter is considered high. A level of more than 500 milligrams per deciliter is considered very high, so some action needs to be taken to lower it. High triglyceride levels may lead to heart disease, especially in people with low levels of good cholesterol and high levels of bad cholesterol. Having a healthy diet and regularly exercising can help lower triglyceride levels and improve cholesterol. Glucose or blood sugar is a source of energy for the cells in your body. Foods such as bread, pasta, rice, and fruit contain carbohydrates that are turned into glucose in your body. This raises your blood glucose level. The glucose test helps screen for diabetes or pre-diabetes. For fasting glucose level, the normal range is 70 to 99 milligrams per deciliter. Too high or too low a level indicates a problem with your glucose metabolism. Hemoglobin A1C, this is a more meaningful test for screening for diabetes. It checks your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. The normal range is 4.5 to 5.7 percent. 5.7 to 6 percent suggests increased risk of diabetes. 6.1 to 6.4 percent suggests higher risk of diabetes. Greater than 6.5% is consistent with diabetes.   Buy a Lipid Profile here. Buy a Hemoglobin A1C here.

Table of Contents Does Testosterone Increase Risks of Heart Disease? What is the Effect of Testosterone Therapy in Older Men? What Can You Do to Prevent Heart Disease While on Testosterone Replacement Therapy? BUY A TESTOSTERONE BLOOD TEST PANEL Reference:  Does Testosterone Increase Risks of Heart Disease? There is widespread misinformation that testosterone supplementation increases the risk of heart disease. There is no evidence to support this belief in men younger than 65 years of age. Testosterone administration to middle-aged men is associated with decreased visceral fat, triglycerides, lower blood sugar concentrations, and increased insulin sensitivity. Several studies have shown that low total and free testosterone concentrations are linked to increased intra-abdominal fat mass, the risk of coronary artery disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Testosterone has also been shown to increase coronary blood flow. Similarly, testosterone replacement retards the build-up of plaque in experimental models of atherosclerosis. In 1994, Phillips and colleagues studied 55 men with angina. They found a strong correlation between very low levels of testosterone and increased severity of coronary artery disease as measured by arteriograms, suggesting that testosterone may have a protective effect. This is consistent with the observation that the risk for atherosclerosis increases with age in men, while testosterone levels decrease. Two other smaller studies found that the administration of testosterone decreased risk factors for coronary artery disease. The prospective European investigation into cancer in Norfolk (EPIC- Norfolk) Prospective Population Study examined the prospective relationship between the body’s own (endogenous) testosterone concentrations and mortality due to all causes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer in a nested case-control study based on 11,606 men aged 40 to 79 years surveyed in 1993 to 1997 and followed up to 2003. Among those without prevalent cancer or cardiovascular disease, 825 men who subsequently died were compared with a control group of 1489 men still alive, matched for age and date of baseline visit. Lower endogenous testosterone (the body’s own) concentrations at baseline were linked to mortality due to all causes (825 deaths), cardiovascular disease (369 deaths), and cancer (304 deaths). So this study found that in men, endogenous testosterone concentrations are inversely related to mortality due to cardiovascular disease and all causes and that low testosterone may be a predictive marker for those at high risk of cardiovascular disease.   What is the Effect of Testosterone Therapy in Older Men? But there are some emerging contradicting data from a much smaller study that showed that older men who have higher endogenous testosterone (without taking testosterone) might have a higher incidence of heart disease. A large U.S. multicenter study showed that older men with higher testosterone levels are more likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular disease in the future. The results were presented at The Endocrine Society’s 92nd Annual Meeting in San Diego in June 2010. Study participants were age 65 or older and included 697 community-dwelling men who were participating in the National Institutes of Health-funded study, called the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS). None of these men were receiving testosterone therapy, according to the study abstract. All subjects had blood tests to determine their testosterone levels. The investigators then divided the men into quartiles, or four groups, of testosterone range to observe trends in rates of coronary heart disease events. This type of heart disease results from plaque-clogged or narrowed coronary arteries, also called atherosclerosis. A coronary heart disease event included a heart attack; unstable angina, which is chest pain usually due to atherosclerosis and which doctors consider a prelude to a heart attack; or angioplasty or bypass surgery to clear blocked arteries. During an average follow-up of nearly four years, 100 men, or about 14 percent, had a coronary disease event, in particular, heart attacks. After the researchers adjusted for other potential contributing risk factors for heart disease, such as elevated cholesterol, they found that higher total testosterone level relates to an increased risk of coronary disease. Men whose total testosterone was in the highest quartile (greater than or equal to 495 nanograms per deciliter, or ng/dL) had more than twofold the risk of coronary disease compared with men in the lowest quartile (below 308 ng/dL). So, this is contradictory data that may be concerning, but does it say anything about the cardiovascular risks of supplementing testosterone to men with testosterone deficiency? A report published in the New England Journal of Medicine in June 2010 about a study researching the use of testosterone gel in older men showed that such study was stopped early due to a higher incidence of side effects in men treated with the gel. Participants in this trial called the Testosterone in Older Men with Mobility Limitations, or TOM, were non-institutionalized men aged 65 and older who had difficulty walking two blocks or climbing ten steps and whose serum testosterone was 100 to 350 ng/dl (very low levels). So, these were frail older men. The goal was to recruit 252 men, but only 209 subjects had been enrolled by the time the trial, which started in 2005, was stopped on December 2010. Testosterone use had the desired effect of improving the men’s muscle strength and mobility. But they also experienced a high rate of adverse effects — not just cardiovascular problems but respiratory and skin problems. Unfortunately, they did not report hematocrit, estradiol, and bioavailable testosterone. I dream of the day when a study will be done the right way to include all of those variables. Only then we can draw the right conclusions about who is more prone to side effects. Managing high hematocrit with blood donation/phlebotomy and high estradiol with anastrozole can probably eliminate some of the reported side effects in older men, but there is only one way to find out: To have proper studies using those management strategies. To date, no study listed in clinicaltrials.gov is following men who are taking testosterone and who have access to phlebotomy or estrogen blockers to manage the two main side effects that may affect cardiovascular health in older men: high hematocrit and estradiol. Previous studies have shown that in general, older men have more side effects when using testosterone (polycythemia, gynecomastia, high blood pressure, prostatic hyperplasia) and more comorbid conditions. High hematocrit and estradiol increase clotting and viscosity, so it is not surprising to me that older men who use testosterone would have more cardiovascular risks if monitored poorly by their physicians. It amazes me how many older men using TRT are walking around with hematocrit over 54 and estradiol levels above 100 pg/dl without being offered phlebotomy or estrogen blockers. This is one of the main reasons I felt compelled to write this book. Older men also require more testosterone to reach normal levels since they have more sex hormone binding globulin that attaches to testosterone and renders it useless. So, physicians should carefully monitor these patients if they decide to provide testosterone replacement. The age cut off when the risk-to-benefit ratio of testosterone changes is not known yet. There are several studies that are currently being performed to provide more answers. A U.S.-based study showed that testosterone therapy does not increase men's risk for heart attack. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, examined 25,420 Medicare beneficiaries 66 years or older treated with testosterone for up to eight years. It appeared in the July 2, 2012 issue of the Annals of Pharmacotherapy. So, the jury is still out. But if no complicating factors like high cholesterol, blood pressure or strong family history of heart disease are present, many doctors opt for prescribing testosterone to older men who need it to have a better quality of life. And most doctors keep an eye on hematocrit but few on estradiol. Hopefully, this will change as more doctors wake up to the risks associated with poor monitoring and management of TRT. It is the excessively high doses of testosterone used by athletes and recreational bodybuilders that are linked to significant decreases in the plasma concentration of HDL (high-density lipoprotein - the good cholesterol) and increases in LDL (low-density lipoprotein – the bad cholesterol). Replacement doses of testosterone have been shown to have only a modest or no effect on plasma HDL in placebo-controlled trials. Testosterone supplementation has been shown to decrease triglycerides, a dissolved fat that can lead to cholesterol increases and metabolic syndrome. In spite of these studies, some physicians continue to think that testosterone replacement can dramatically increase cholesterol levels.   What Can You Do to Prevent Heart Disease While on Testosterone Replacement Therapy? Given the state of the modern diet, all of us should have our doctor check our fasting cholesterol and triglycerides (another lipid-linked with heart disease risk). If you think that you have low testosterone, you may already have a problem with your lipids. The recommendations of exercise and diet (low in sugars and animal fats) apply for everybody but are especially important for men who have high LDL and high triglycerides at the time of starting testosterone replacement. Testosterone therapy can be an important part of your health regimen but don’t start it thinking that it will cure high cholesterol. Sometimes high lipids are related to poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, medication side effects, and bad genes. Your treatment for high cholesterol and triglycerides can also include statin and fibrates drugs prescribed to you by your doctor. I would try to modify your diet and to exercise before you jump on taking these medications since they may have muscle related side effects and do not correct the root cause of the problem, which is a metabolic abnormality that could be addressed with good adherence to lifestyle modifications. The key word is “adherence,” which seems elusive is many people who rather take a pill than watch their diet and exercise. For more on diet and exercise, refer to the chapter “ Miscellaneous Health Tips to Support Healthy Testosterone.” NOTE: I think you’re getting why I’m telling you that you need doctor’s supervision when on testosterone. So far you’ve read about the potential impact on hemoglobin and hematocrit, blood pressure, and estradiol, all of which can negatively affect your cardiovascular health. Imagine the even greater risk of those using testosterone at higher than replacement doses that usually buy it from underground sources and do not have a doctor who monitors them. No wonder testosterone and anabolic steroids get such a bad reputation. I tell bodybuilders that do not have a doctor to follow them to at least decrease their risks by getting a bodybuilder panel on DiscountedLabs.com that do not require a prescription. There are many around the United States, and you can find them by visiting DiscountedLabs.com . Of course, this is not the best solution and in no way a replacement for the supervision of a doctor. Irresponsible bodybuilders do more self-inflicted damage when their mistakes fuel the hysteria surrounding hormones in the United States. This hysteria has made it difficult for many men who need TRT to get it. Over-the-counter “testosterone boosters” may present problems with lipids, so do not think that because you are buying something at a health food store, that makes that product safe. Let your doctor know if you are taking any of those. Most do not work and those that did where banned by the FDA and taken off the market.   BUY A TESTOSTERONE BLOOD TEST PANEL   Reference:  From the book “Testosterone: A Man’s Guide” by Nelson Vergel (available on Amazon.com)

Table of Contents What is HDL? What Are the Optimal Levels Of HDL? Top Tips To Increase Your HDL Levels Naturally Exercise More Often Quit Smoking Eat More Fiber Eat More Nuts Laugh More Monitor Your Sugar Intake Avoid Trans Fat Get a Curcumin Supplement Drink More Cranberry Juice Eat More Tomatoes Drink Red Wine Responsibly Check Your HDL Levels Today! HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein and it's the "good" type of cholesterol that circulates through the bloodstream. LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein and it's commonly known as the "bad" cholesterol, the one that you should have less of for optimal health. These two are some of the most popular and important forms of cholesterol and it's recommended to keep an eye on your levels regularly. Cholesterol plays a vital role in the human body and you should monitor your levels to make the necessary adjustments whenever necessary. A lipid panel test can reveal your cholesterol levels with little to no effort. Keep reading to learn more about HDL, its importance and what to do to increase it efficiently. What is HDL? In broader terms, cholesterol is nothing but a waxy substance produced by your liver. It shields the interior of your arteries and veins and it contributes to their flexibility and health. You can also get cholesterol from various foods you eat. Now, cholesterol splits into two parts - HDL (the good one) and LDL (the bad one). Ideally, a healthy individual should have more of HDL and less of LDL. You can do various things to increase your HDL and lower LDL naturally, but if nothing works, your doctor might prescribe statins to you. This is a type of medicine designed for those who have an unhealthy lipid profile. What Are the Optimal Levels Of HDL? Having low HDL levels is associated with a lot of cardiovascular problems, including coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis and even stroke. Having an unhealthy lifestyle, not exercising often and smoking can contribute to the lowering of HDL in the bloodstream. The optimal levels of HDL are above 60 mg/dL of blood for both men and women. Having HDL levels of less than 40 mg/dL of blood puts you at risk for cardiovascular diseases. Fortunately, as mentioned earlier, you can do so much to improve your HDL levels and not have to deal with heart problems in the future. Top Tips To Increase Your HDL Levels Naturally It's important to remember that increasing HDL levels as well as lowering LDL levels is a process that takes time; it doesn't happen overnight. You might want to do a blood test first and see how you stand at the present moment. Then, you can adjust your lifestyle, make healthier choices and test yourself again after a few months. Here are a few scientifically proven ways to increase HDL: Exercise More Often There's no way going around the fact that more physical exercise will benefit your health tremendously and it will increase HDL levels for sure. This is the case for both aerobic and anaerobic exercises, so make sure that you try to incorporate at least 30-40 minutes of physical exercise 3-4 times a week to reap these benefits. At the same time, regular physical exercise might also reduce your levels of LDL, so it's an added advantage for your health. Some studies suggest that the increase in HDL is noticeable even for men in their 50s. Quit Smoking Smoking cigarettes is one of the worst habits you can have because they contain thousands of toxic substances and many of them are known carcinogens. Even if you go for electronic cigarettes and vape nicotine in combination with e-juices, this will still cause inflammation in your lungs and lower your HDL levels. Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done if you have the willpower or seek professional guidance. It's common knowledge that each cigarette can shorten your lifespan by eight minutes and increase LDL levels, so if you stop smoking, your HDL levels will naturally get back to normal. Eat More Fiber Getting more soluble fiber into your system will definitely increase HDL levels, according to some recent scientific studies. Foods high in fibers are all kinds of oats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Make sure that you have at least two servings of fiber per day and this will both help with your regularity and increase HDL levels. On top of that, it's known that fiber helps to stabilize glucose levels in the blood. As a result, your blood sugar levels will stay within normal ranges and enjoy higher HDL levels at the same time. Eat More Nuts Different types of nuts, such as hazelnuts, pecan nuts, almonds, walnuts and so on, are full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Studies done in 2002 and 2004 show that including more nuts into your diet will increase HDL levels in the long run. It's important to be consistent with this habit and incorporate different types of nuts as snacks into your diet. Laugh More Yes, there are studies that suggest that laughter can significantly increase HDL levels, particularly in patients with diabetes. That's because laughing more often alleviates stress and puts you in a better mood. As a result, your body will automatically produce good hormones such as HDL and their levels will stay elevated for longer. Monitor Your Sugar Intake Another great method to increase your HDL levels is to watch your sugar intake and try to limit or reduce it every day. Multiple studies suggest that high intakes of sugar is associated with a decrease in HDL levels and an increase in LDL levels. You should be particularly mindful of high-fructose corn syrup. Ideally, try to avoid refined sugars and go for natural sources of sugar such as those found in fruit and some vegetables. Avoid Trans Fat Although many laws and regulations have been passed that forbid the addition of trans fats to everyday foods, this toxic substance is still present in various products you might find in supermarkets. For example, margarine, some instant coffee products, multiple pastries and bakery products and other foods contain trans fats. This type of substance is known to increase the levels of LDL while lowering HDL ones, so avoid trans fats as much as possible to let your HDL levels return to normal. Get a Curcumin Supplement Curcumin is the active ingredient found in turmeric, the famous Indian spice with inflammatory properties. Some recent studies show that taking a curcumin supplement of just 500mg/day can increase HDL levels by 30% in a few months. At the same time, curcumin is known to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and it might reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Drink More Cranberry Juice Recent studies show that cranberry juice can increase HDL levels by almost 10% when consumed on a daily basis. This type of berry also has numerous anticancer properties, so if you get the chance to include it in your daily diet, it's highly recommended to do so. Also, other studies done in 2008 show that regular berry consumption can also increase HDL levels. Eat More Tomatoes Simple tomatoes can work wonders for your health, as recent studies suggest. Eating more tomatoes, particularly the Roma variety, can increase HDL levels by more than 10% and this type of vegetable can also reduce your blood pressure. Consider incorporating more tomatoes into your diet and eating them in salads or raw. Tomatoes also contain a decent amount of soluble fiber and some studies show that they can protect against prostate cancer too. Drink Red Wine Responsibly Scientists have been studying the effects of red wine for decades and have realized that it can offer numerous health benefits when consumed in moderation. For example, resveratrol is a substance found in red wine that has amazing antioxidant properties and can boost the function of your immune system. At the same time, this substance has been shown to increase HDL levels when consumed in moderation for a period of a few months. Make sure that you drink no more than one glass of red wine per day to reap these benefits and check your HDL levels often to see the improvements. Check Your HDL Levels Today! Cholesterol has gotten a bad rep in the last decades, but if you look at it closely, you see that some of it is good for you and you can do something to increase its levels. If you want to find out your HDL levels, you can do that with a simple blood test. You can order such a blood test online, draw a sample at a nearby clinic and get the results mailed back to you in just a few business days. In most cases, it's recommended to check your HDL levels in correlation with your LDL levels and your triglycerides. This is called a "lipid profile" and it will help your doctor better evaluate your health and come up with a diagnosis. For example, if your HDL levels are relatively good, but your LDL and triglycerides are out of normal ranges, you still need to make lifestyle changes to improve your health. Go to DiscountedLabs.com today and order your HDL blood test as well as other tests you might need to assess your overall health!     ================== References: HDL cholesterol: How to boost your 'good' cholesterol How to Increase HDL - Peak Testosterone How to Increase Good Cholesterol (HDL) in Men on TRT | Excel Male TRT Forum Why does testosterone therapy decrease HDL cholesterol in some men? | Excel Male TRT Forum