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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
cholesterol/CRP questions
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cholesterol/CRP questions
by Hiker in Hawaii, Aug 18, 2006 12:00AM
Couple months back, took a high sensitivity cardio-CRP test & it happened to be one day after severly spraining ankle playing basketball - the cardio-CRP came in at 13.3 Test was repeated several weeks later after ankle healed & came back at .4 Is this test still considered useful or is there alot of controversy surrounding its benefits & what is this test actually measuring?...
Also, my MD & I have been trying various ways to try to increase HDL as it's generally been in the 25-35 range last several years....Is there one reading ie: LDL, HDL, triglicerdies, that's more important than the other? - my other numbers are all good, just can't seem to raise HDL..
Lastly, is brisk walking 5 days a week benefical for heart?..Or, does one need to have extremely vigorous excercise (swimming, distance running, etc) before there is any benefit..
Thank you
Also, my MD & I have been trying various ways to try to increase HDL as it's generally been in the 25-35 range last several years....Is there one reading ie: LDL, HDL, triglicerdies, that's more important than the other? - my other numbers are all good, just can't seem to raise HDL..
Lastly, is brisk walking 5 days a week benefical for heart?..Or, does one need to have extremely vigorous excercise (swimming, distance running, etc) before there is any benefit..
Thank you
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-MJM, Aug 18, 2006 12:00AM
Hi Hiker,
There is a lot of controversy surrounding CRP. It is very volatile -- the common cold can send it soring. There is good data showing that people with elevated CRP have more cardiovascular events. Your actually CRP is probably 0.4 -- wouldn't worry about that one.
Elevated tryglicerides are a bit less important unless they are very elevated. Otherwise, LDL and HDL are both important -- it is tough to put a weight on them. Do your best to be active, eat right, not smoke, watch your weight, and continue your medications if they help. I am not sure what your doctor has tried yet. Niacin can raise HDL and statins can as well. Alcohol is know to raise HDL, but there is no outcome study that I know of showing a significant decrease in cardiovascular events with alcohol (in moderation).
As far as exercise, do what you enjoy. The important thing is elevating your heart rate for a good aerobic work out. Make it fun. Find a friend to walk with and make a commitment to each other, then it is harder to skip days.
I hope this helps. Thanks for posting and good luck.
There is a lot of controversy surrounding CRP. It is very volatile -- the common cold can send it soring. There is good data showing that people with elevated CRP have more cardiovascular events. Your actually CRP is probably 0.4 -- wouldn't worry about that one.
Elevated tryglicerides are a bit less important unless they are very elevated. Otherwise, LDL and HDL are both important -- it is tough to put a weight on them. Do your best to be active, eat right, not smoke, watch your weight, and continue your medications if they help. I am not sure what your doctor has tried yet. Niacin can raise HDL and statins can as well. Alcohol is know to raise HDL, but there is no outcome study that I know of showing a significant decrease in cardiovascular events with alcohol (in moderation).
As far as exercise, do what you enjoy. The important thing is elevating your heart rate for a good aerobic work out. Make it fun. Find a friend to walk with and make a commitment to each other, then it is harder to skip days.
I hope this helps. Thanks for posting and good luck.
Dear Doctor,
I you read this comment, do you have any idea when pfizer will be submitting this new drug to the FDA for approval?
Thanks!
Erik