Risks of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease can be be prevented by simple modification of diet, daily exercise and to avoid smoking. But there are indicators that reflect a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. These risks can be found through microscopic tests and blood samples. This article will list the greater risks of cardiovascular disease including the function, role it plays in cardiovascular disease, detection method and treatment, if any.

Higher Fibrin Levels
Fibrin is a protein that is found in the blood and ables are body to form blood clots. When too much fibrinogen is produces it can cause major problems such as a heart attack or stroke. The levels of fibrinogen can be measured by citrated plasma samples and blood clotting tests. There are no direct treatments for elevated fibrinogen levels.

High Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor -1 Blood Concentrations.
PAI-1 is an inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase (uPA). tPA and uPA activates fibrinolysis, the breakdown of blood clots. Meaning, PAI-1 stops the breakdown of blood clots. If the breakdown of clots is ended the risk of a heart attack and stroke is greater. PAI-1 levels can be determined by blood clotting tests. Tiplaxtinin is a small molecule inhibitor that is being used in the study of inhibiting PAI-1, therefore, being reversible.

Elevated Homocysteine Levels
Homocysteine is a amino acid that is found in the body. The high levels of homocysteine can cause hardening of the arteries leading to cardiovascular problems. A vitamin deficiency of B6, B12 and folic acid is the cause of elevated homocysteine levels. A blood and/or urine sample can be given to check the bodies level of these vitamins. Adding B vitamins and folic acid to a patients diet is the treatment used to manage homocysteine levels.

Elevated Blood Vessels of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine
Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a natural chemical found in blood plasma. ADMA causes cardiovascular problems by interfering with L-arginine in the production of nitric oxide. The levels of ADMA are increased by oxidized LDL cholesterol. These high levels can detected by blood tests. There have been many tests in trying to aide the manipulation of ADMA levels but none have been proved successful.

High Inflammation as Measured by C-reactive Protein.
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein found in the blood. The levels of CRP rise when the inflammation process occurs in the body. Cardiovascular disease caused by white blood cell invasion and inflammation from arterial damage can be detected by the increasing levels of CRP found in a blood sample. Medications can be used to reduce inflammation resulting in lower CRP levels.

Elevated Blood Levels of Brain Natriretic Peptide (BNP)
BNP is a 32 amino acid polypeptide that is secreted by the ventricles in response to excessive stretching of heart muscle cells. The elevated levels of BNP can determine the risk for cardiovascular disease. A simple blood test can be used to determine the level of BNP. Testing the BNP levels in a patient can aide in the early diagnosing of heart failure and prevention strategies.
For more information on cardiovascular risks visit these websites:

www.wisegeek.com

www.labtestsonline.com

www.wikipedia.com