Have you ever had your C-Reactive Protein (CRP) or Homocysteine checked? What in the world are these things?

They are markers found in your blood that can affect your cardiovascular system if they are high. CRP is an acute inflammatory marker. There are many reasons that it can go up but long term high levels will increase inflammation in the coronary arteries. Vitamin D is an anti-inflammatory and I have seen CRP drop when Vitamin D levels go up.

Homocysteine is an amino acid, which is a building block for protein.  High levels of this can also increase inflammation in the coronary arteries and put you at risk for developing hardening of the arteries or plaque build up in the arteries.  Homocysteine is controlled by B-vitamins.  Taking a good multivitamin with high B-vitamins or taking a B-complex supplement will help keep homocysteine low.

These 2 markers are easily checked in a blood draw.

Studies have shown that inflammation plays a vital role is developing heart disease. If you have high cholesterol and your CRP and Homocysteine are high, you are at a greater risk for developing coronary artery disease and possibly having a heart attack.

Get your levels checked!