We’ll make this short. Testing can be a powerful tool to understand what is going on internally to help reveal something unseen. However not all tests are created equal and some tests may not be effective for truly understanding what is going on. Testing can also be expensive, so you want your investment to produce the best results possible.
With this in mind, we wanted to propose three excellent tests that can help with insights into heart attack risk so you can be as best informed as possible. More importantly these are likely tests you have not heard of, or ones that will be offered by your provider.
THE TESTS
One test is standard and easy to get and you’ll want to get it. The second is more used in research, but points to an easy therapy you can consider. The third is easy to get, and the fix is a common inexpensive supplement so useful for everyone that we recommend people take it regardless of taking the test.
Don’t take our word about these. We have links to copies of the peer-reviewed research if you want more information, or you can do your own search at scholar.google.com
The three tests are:
- Serum test for lipoprotein (a)
- Levels of circulating bone marrow derived adult stem cells
- 24-hour urine taurine excretion level
1. Lipoprotein (a) - Circulating levels of this protein is considered one of several “non-aligned” risk factors, meaning its prediction of risk is independent from risks associated with cholesterol levels. There are different subtypes of lipids circulating in our blood, and they all are associated with different carrier proteins called lipoproteins.
Lipoprotein (a) carries a small dense particle of LDL known to be a major contributor to the deposit of lipids in arterial plaque. For some reason, some people manufacture an excess of lipoprotein (a), and this causes them to have higher levels of small dense LDL particles in their blood.
The data is clear that elevated levels of lipoprotein (a) indicate an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. (See links below this paragraph) There are some interesting reports of healthy people with a long history of normal cholesterol levels who had an unexpected heart attack. Turns out no one ever checked their lipoprotein (a), which was elevated. (We use a clever and simple treatment described by Dr. Linus Pauling to protect people with elevated lipoprotein (a) levels.)
- If you want to know more:
Link 1: Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Disease - A Review by Pia R. Kamstrup - Link 2: A New Era in Medicine by Mathias Rath, MD
2. Blood levels of circulating bone marrow derived progenitor cells—AKA Adult Stem Cells. Our Adult Stem cells spend most of their time in the bone marrow making various blood cells, but they sometimes release themselves into the bloodstream and circulate looking for damaged tissues they can help repair. Adult Stem Cells participate in almost all tissue repair and regeneration in the body, from repairing skin nicks you get when shaving, to repairing heart tissue damaged by a heart attack.
Testing for levels of these circulating stem cells is difficult, but research has shown a strong correlation between higher levels of circulating stem cells and reduced risk of vascular disease as well as improved survival if you do have a heart attack or stroke. (Link) In fact, it may be the most predictive test known to predict risk of heart attack or stroke.
If you want to know more:
- Link 1: Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Cardiovascular Outcomes - NEJM
- Link 2: Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells, Vascular Function, and Cardiovascular Risk - NEJM
Testing for circulating stem cell levels is not widely available, but there are some simple supplements you can take that increase your levels. As we age, our blood levels of Adult Stem Cells fall off, and these supplements restore us to levels we had when we were 20 years old! (Link) In addition to Stem Release, you can get this benefit by taking large doses of algae harvested from Klamath Lake in Oregon.
3. Determining your body’s taurine level with a 24-hour urinary taurine excretion test. Taurine is considered a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning that we can make some, but do best if we include additional taurine in our diet. Animal proteins are a major source of taurine in the diet. Taurine is found in highest concentrations in the heart and eye.
Recent research is showing that taurine is anti-inflammatory, it assists with detoxification, and many studies have shown a correlation between high taurine levels in the body and a very reduced risk of heart attack and stroke and the degenerative changes associated with aging. (Link)
A simple blood test for taurine is not a good measure of your total-body taurine level. To get this, we need to collect a 24-hour urine sample and see what the levels of taurine are in that sample. This gives an accurate look at our total-body taurine level. The studies that looked at the relationship between taurine in the body and risk of heart attack and stroke used this type of test.
Do you get the test? Maybe, but an easier option is to simply take a good-quality taurine supplement. It is safe, and most supplements are derived from plant sources which are suitable if you are vegetarian or vegan. You probably want to take at least 1 gram (1000mg) per day, anytime. Then, if you want the test, get it after you have been taking the supplement for a bit to see if you are taking a dose that will keep you at a good level.
Want more information on taurine? Here are three links to articles:
Link 1: The potential protective effects of taurine on coronary heart
disease
Link 2: Protective role of taurine against oxidative stress (Review)
Link 3: Taurine in health and diseases: consistent evidence from experimental and epidemiological studies
WRAP UP
Just to be clear, the risk level you have for heart attack or stroke if any of these tests are off is far more significant than if your cholesterol is elevated.
To Your Health!
