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Review by
Richard Sumrall Over the last several years there
has been considerable discussion about the relationship between high levels
of cholesterol and heart disease. In a new approach to this medical
condition the latest scientific research reveals, "Cholesterol levels are
not the definitive indicator of heart disease risk. … There are six new lab
tests and a CT scan that can reveal much about the state of your heart and
cardiovascular system." These tests and other breakthroughs in
cardiovascular medicine are described in Julius Torelli's new book, "Beyond
Cholesterol." Dr. Torelli is the director of the Integrative Cardiology
Center in North Carolina and a board-certified cardiologist and internist.
In studying these new tests Torelli realized, "At all times other body
systems and organs have to be taken into account while dealing with the
cardiovascular system. Keeping the body's systems in working balance is one
way to define the maintenance of good health."
The book is divided into two parts -- "The Heart of the Matter" and "The
Essential New Tests."
The first part of the book concentrates on the buildup of fatty materials
and other debris in the heart; this material is commonly called plaque and
the condition is known as atherosclerosis. One of the newest developments in
the fight against plaque is the discovery that plaque is believed to be a
"form of tissue capable of change," not a dead, inert tissue. Torelli
differentiates between the three levels of risk factors for atherosclerosis
(direct, associated and indirect) and states that over 10 times as many
women in America die from heart disease or coronary artery disease than
breast cancer.
In the second part of the book Torelli explains each of the new tests
available to help maintain a healthy heart.
C-reactive protein test
The CRP test is a test to measure the level of C-reactive protein in the
blood. According to Torelli this test is regarded as the most accurate
indicator of high heart attack risk today. One of the test's most important
indicators is the presence of inflammation in the body. Test results above 3
milligrams per liter of blood indicate a high risk for heart trouble.
Fibrinogen test
This test measures the level of the protein fibrinogen in the blood. The
liver manufactures fibrinogen for the purposes of blood clotting. If
inflammation is detected, the fibrinogen levels in the body can rise
dramatically. Test results above 460 milligrams per deciliter of blood
indicate a high risk for the presence of fibrinogen.
Homocysteine test
This blood test measures the level of the amino acid homocysteine.
Another marker of inflammation, homocysteine can damage the cells lining the
artery wall and can contribute to clot formation on ruptured plaque. This
test remains somewhat controversial in the medical establishment since there
is no accepted explanation as to why many people who have heart attacks
measure high levels of this protein. Test results above 14 micromoles per
liter of blood indicate a high risk for the presence of homocysteine.
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Fasting insulin test
This is a blood test to measure the level of the hormone insulin.
The level of insulin in the human body is related to a condition
known as insulin resistance. Our bodies use the sugar glucose as
fuel, and people who require more insulin than normal to deal with
the blood glucose may be at greater risk for developing metabolic
syndrome. This syndrome can constitute a major risk of heart
disease. Test results above 25 micro international units per
milliliter of blood indicate a high risk for insulin.
Ferritin test
This is a test to measure the level of the protein ferritin in
the blood. Ferritin is an iron protein complex. Excessive levels of
iron in the blood can contribute to increased risk for heart
disease. Ferritin is believed to raise the LDL -- the "bad"
cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprotein -- and can damage
heart muscles and artery linings. Normal test results for ferritin
levels are 12-300 nanograms per milliliter of blood for males and
12-150 for females.
Lipoprotein(a) test
This is a test to measure the level of lipoprotein(a) in the
blood. Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) is another inflammatory marker that
slows the breakup of blood clots as well as increasing their size
inside plaque. This enlarged size can form a clot on ruptured plaque
and increase the chances of a heart attack. Test results above 19
milligrams per deciliter of blood indicate a high risk for the
presence of Lp(a).
Calcium heart scan test
This is a CT (computer tomography) scan to detect deposits of the
mineral calcium in the heart. Healthy heart arteries should exhibit
no deposits of calcium. Any calcium that is present is usually found
inside plaque. Test results above 400 indicate that an exercise
stress test is needed to determine if plaque is impeding the flow of
blood to the heart muscle.
"Beyond Cholesterol" is a valuable addition to the public
information on the prevention of heart disease, particularly
coronary artery disease. In the introduction Torelli writes, "This
book contains the information you need to determine how healthy your
heart is. It will also show you how to look in a new way at some
things you thought you knew all about." This book is recommended to
everyone who is concerned about his or her personal health and
maintaining a healthy heart.
[Richard Sumrall,
Lincoln Public Library District] |
