As many of you know, I have had heart problems since 1985, when I had my first angio plasti at age 48. Now, at 71, I've had numerous angio plastis, heart catheterizations and have 6 stents in my heart. Until recently, I thought most of my problems were genetic and cholesterol related. About a year ago I found out about a
'C Reactive Protein' test that shows the degree of inflammation in the body. I asked my cardiologist to include the test and found mine was exceptionally high. He wasn't quite sure what to do about the problem or how to lower the inflammation.
I researched and learned as much as I could about it.
From WebMedA special type of CRP test, the high-sensitivity CRP test (hs-CRP), may be done to find out if you have an increased chance of having a sudden heart problem, such as a heart attack.
Inflammation can damage the inner lining of the arteries and make having a heart attack more likely. However, the connection between high CRP levels and heart attack risk is not very well-understood.
From Cleveland ClinicIn the Harvard Women's Health Study, results of the CRP test were more accurate than cholesterol levels in predicting coronary problems. Twelve different markers of inflammation were studied in healthy, postmenopausal women. After three years, CRP was the strongest predictor of risk.
Women in the group with the highest CRP levels were more than four times as likely to have died from coronary disease, or suffered a nonfatal heart attack or stroke. This group was also more likely to have required a cardiac procedure such as angioplasty or bypass surgery than women in the group with the lowest levels.From --
Metabolism Advice.comAnother major cause of inflammation in our bodies is the food we eat. Inflammation can be aggravated by diets high in refined or hydrogenated vegetable oils such as those found in margarines, potato chips and baked goods and by diets high in sugars.
But food can also be part of the solution to the problem of inflammation. Anti-inflammatory foods, if eaten regularly, can reduce inflammation in the body and bring the problem under control.
More research led me to making major changes in my daily diet and in June, six months after the previous test, I had reduced the level by half.
I cut way down on refined foods, white flour products, sugar and sugar substitutes, and went on a relatively low carbohydrate diet.
I believe if I had eliminated, instead of cutting back, my test would have been even lower. To make it easier on myself, besides reading everything I could about food helping my situation, I bought "The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book" by Jessica K. Black. See side bar for more information.
Along the way I also lost 14 pounds and because I increased MUFA's, (monounsaturated fats), a good deal of the loss was in the abdominal area, which we know can also lead to heart problems.
Fat that accumulates around the abdomen increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Doctors recommend that people who are heavier in the midsection, reduce this area with diet and exercise. I posted an article about reducing belly fat menus at:
Blast Belly FatIt's important that we all take our health in our own hands and learn as much as we can about symptoms, conditions, and what to do about them.
DisclaimerPlease remember, I am not a medical authority, just a writer, researcher, and you should never make changes in your health routine or life style without talking to your medical adviser. What works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another. Taking supplements or practicing alternative medicine without consulting with your physician can be dangerous.
If this blog article doesn't do anything more than get one person to have the 'C Reactive Protein' test done, (you don't even have to fast for it), and prevent one heart attack or stroke, I will be more than happy I posted it.
