PSA: Best predictor of heart disease

[missy]

This new test could veto cholesterol screenings as the best predictor of heart disease | MDLinx

For decades, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) has been the standard for assessing cardiovascular risk. But new evidence suggests that apolipoprotein B (apoB) and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] may be better predictors of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

www.mdlinx.com

If you have not had this test please ask your physician to run it next time you’re at a medical appointment

 

[missy]

This sneaky sign could indicate high cholesterol—are you catching it in your patients? | MDLinx

Steve Hamburger was 63, fit enough for tennis, yet he couldn’t walk more than two blocks before calf pain forced him to stop. An ankle-brachial index and angiogram confirmed peripheral artery disease (PAD), caused by plaque-clogged arteries. Intermittent claudication like this is the “classic”...

www.mdlinx.com

 

[Pumpkin Sparkles]

Also people that inherited both copies of the MTHFR mutations are at higher risk, most don’t know this.

 

[lyra]

Thankfully I see a cardiologist annually. I hope that's good enough. It was kind of off putting going to see him for one issue which he ruled out, only to be put on his roster forever. Guess that's safe? I do also get my cholesterol checked regularly because I'm on a biiologic.

 

[ShinyPink]

Thanks for the info, @missy! There are so many new tests, and I appreciate you keeping us updated.

 

[missy]

Also people that inherited both copies of the MTHFR mutations are at higher risk, most don’t know this.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR), the One-Carbon Cycle, and Cardiovascular Risks - PMC

The 5-10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme is vital for cellular homeostasis due to its key functions in the one-carbon cycle, which include methionine and folate metabolism and protein, DNA, and RNA synthesis. The enzyme is ...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphism and Premature Coronary Artery Disease - PMC

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) catalyzes the conversion of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, a co-substrate for homocysteine re-methylation to methionine. Its deficiency leads to an increased serum level of ...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"Mutations in the MTHFR gene, such as the C677T variant, can reduce the activity of this enzyme, leading to higher levels of homocysteine in the blood. This elevated homocysteine is termed hyperhomocysteinemia.

Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, blood clots, stroke, and heart attack.

However, studies on the MTHFR gene variations and associated disorders have had mixed results. Some studies find associations, while others do not. Therefore, the exact role of these MTHFR mutations in heart disease remains unclear.

It is important to remember that heart disease is complex and likely influenced by a large number of genetic and environmental factors, many of which are not yet fully understood.

"

Summarizing :
While there is some evidence suggesting a potential link between having two copies of the MTHFR C677T mutation (homozygous) and an increased risk of heart disease, research in this area is ongoing and the exact role of these mutations in heart disease risk is still being investigated.




My advice is if you are homozygous for C677T test your homocysteine. Just because you have the genes for something does not mean it is expressing. And if your Hcy is high then treat with methylated B vitamins to start. Many mainstream physicians don't go by this but it is real. I am homozygous for C677T and the polymorphism started expressing in 2017. I treat it and my Hcy went from 15 to 6. Now the caveat is this. There is no proof that lowering one's Hcy will reduce one's risk for heart disease. The best medicine remains eating healthfully, getting enough and appropriate exercise and sleeping well. And taking what one needs to make up any deficits.

Thanks for the info, @missy! There are so many new tests, and I appreciate you keeping us updated.

Thank you Shiny Pink.

 

[missy]

Thankfully I see a cardiologist annually. I hope that's good enough. It was kind of off putting going to see him for one issue which he ruled out, only to be put on his roster forever. Guess that's safe? I do also get my cholesterol checked regularly because I'm on a biiologic.

That's good Lyra. Certain biologics actually decrease your risk for heart disease (offer cardiovascular benefits) fyi. Such as those targeting inflammatory pathways, have shown promise in reducing cardiovascular risk factors and events in conditions like RA and psoriasis.

Research continues to investigate the long-term cardiovascular effects of various biologics

 

[Pumpkin Sparkles]

Methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR), the One-Carbon Cycle, and Cardiovascular Risks - PMC

The 5-10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme is vital for cellular homeostasis due to its key functions in the one-carbon cycle, which include methionine and folate metabolism and protein, DNA, and RNA synthesis. The enzyme is ...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphism and Premature Coronary Artery Disease - PMC

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) catalyzes the conversion of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, a co-substrate for homocysteine re-methylation to methionine. Its deficiency leads to an increased serum level of ...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"Mutations in the MTHFR gene, such as the C677T variant, can reduce the activity of this enzyme, leading to higher levels of homocysteine in the blood. This elevated homocysteine is termed hyperhomocysteinemia.

Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, blood clots, stroke, and heart attack.

However, studies on the MTHFR gene variations and associated disorders have had mixed results. Some studies find associations, while others do not. Therefore, the exact role of these MTHFR mutations in heart disease remains unclear.

It is important to remember that heart disease is complex and likely influenced by a large number of genetic and environmental factors, many of which are not yet fully understood.

"

Summarizing :
While there is some evidence suggesting a potential link between having two copies of the MTHFR C677T mutation (homozygous) and an increased risk of heart disease, research in this area is ongoing and the exact role of these mutations in heart disease risk is still being investigated.




My advice is if you are homozygous for C677T test your homocysteine. Just because you have the genes for something does not mean it is expressing. And if your Hcy is high then treat with methylated B vitamins to start. Many mainstream physicians don't go by this but it is real. I am homozygous for C677T and the polymorphism started expressing in 2017. I treat it and my Hcy went from 15 to 6. Now the caveat is this. There is no proof that lowering one's Hcy will reduce one's risk for heart disease. The best medicine remains eating healthfully, getting enough and appropriate exercise and sleeping well. And taking what one needs to make up any deficits.






Thank you Shiny Pink.

I agree, it all boils down to genetics and our everyday life style. Thank you for that amazing read. I’ve briefly looked into it but nothing like this.