Carmel, CA hs-CRP Test May Help Predict Stroke And Heart Attack Risk

I wrote recently on my blog about how chronic inflammation can cause damage to heart valves and brain cells, cause strokes, promote resistance to insulin and cause cancer.  Much of this can be avoided by having a healthier diet and losing weight.  There is also a blood test called CRP for high sensitivity C-reactive protein, which is a marker for inflammation in the body.  This can be done at the same time as cholesterol screening, and is covered by most insurance policies and Medicare.  The test is increasingly being used as a routine screening tool for patients to determine if they are at high risk for a heart-attack or stroke.  There is also a test called the hsp-CRP which can more accurately detect lower concentrations of the protein.  The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology both have endorsed the use of hs-CRP for "intermediate risk" individuals and one major study found that even people with minimal risk factors in their 50's and 60's should have the test.  At Family inHome Caregiving, we care for a number of stroke victims and those which are recovering from a heart attack.  They are both extremely devastating, and any tests that can be done to detect risk are well worth the money.