🫀 Beyond Cholesterol: 2 Heart Tests You Need to Know About

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Beyond Cholesterol: 2 Heart Tests You Need to Know About

Many of us focus on total cholesterol or HDL levels when thinking about heart health. While these tests are very enlightening, there are two others you may want to consider:

1. Apolipoprotein B (apoB) Test

What it is: ApoB is a protein found in lipoproteins that carry cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. It's present in all atherogenic particles, including LDL, VLDL, and lipoprotein(a).

Why it matters: ApoB gives a more accurate count of potentially harmful particles in your bloodstream than traditional cholesterol tests. High levels of apoB are strongly associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

2. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] Test

What it is: Lp(a) is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol in the blood. Its levels are largely determined by genetics.

Why it matters: High Lp(a) levels can significantly increase your risk of heart disease, even if your other lipid levels are normal. It's particularly important because lifestyle changes have little effect on Lp(a) levels, making it a crucial factor in assessing your overall cardiovascular risk.

These two tests, alongside total and LDL cholesterol, provide a more comprehensive view of your cardiovascular health than traditional lipid panels.

Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to your health. Regular blood tests are a good way to stay knowledgeable about your health.

Ask The Expert: Are Carbs Essential?

We recently had a great question from one of our readers: "I've heard conflicting information about carbohydrates. Some say they're essential; others say we don't need them at all. What's the truth? Are carbs really essential?"

Let's break it down:

Technically, carbohydrates are not essential for human survival. However, they play a crucial role in optimal human health and performance; here’s why:

1. Survival vs. Thriving: While your body can survive without carbohydrates through processes like gluconeogenesis (making glucose from non-carb sources), this doesn't mean it's optimal for everyone.

2. Energy Source: Carbs are the body's preferred and most efficient energy source, especially for high-intensity activities and brain function.

3. Fiber Benefits: Many carb-rich foods are excellent sources of fiber, which is crucial for gut health, satiety, and managing cholesterol levels.

4. Micronutrients: Whole food carb sources (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) are rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

5. Athletic Performance: For most athletes, particularly those engaged in high-intensity or endurance activities, carbs are crucial for optimal performance.

6. Individual Variation: Some people thrive on lower-carb diets, while others feel and perform better with higher-carb intake. This can depend on factors like activity level, genetics, and overall health status.

7. Metabolic Health: Carbs play a role in hormone regulation, including insulin and leptin, which are crucial for metabolic health.

The Bottom Line: While carbs aren't technically essential for survival, they are beneficial for most people's health, performance, and well-being. The key is choosing high-quality carb sources and adjusting the amount to your individual needs and goals.

Your Body’s Amazing Vascular Network

Did you know that if you were to lay out all the blood vessels in your body end-to-end, they would stretch around the Earth 2.5 times? That's right - your circulatory system is truly a marvel of biological engineering!

This vast network includes:

• Arteries carrying oxygen-rich blood from your heart

• Veins return blood to your heart

• Tiny capillaries connecting arteries and veins

In total, an adult has about 60,000 miles (100,000 kilometers) of blood vessels. To put that in perspective, the Earth's circumference at the equator is about 24,901 miles (40,075 kilometers).

This extensive system ensures that oxygen and nutrients reach every cell in your body, while also removing waste products.

Next time you're exercising, remember you're not just working your muscles - you're also supporting this incredible vascular network that keeps you alive and thriving!

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Publisher: Ryan Engel

Editor: Michael Pender

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