Most people book a doctor’s meeting only after symptoms appear. Although we all know that prevention is the best measure, we take regular health checks easily. Many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s, emerge silent years before the warning signs emerge. Dr. Rocio Salas-Vhalden, a board-certified endocrinologist and expert on obesity medicine, based in New York, discusses some blood samples that may be life-saving. Here are 5 blood samples that can detect the risk of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and organ damage long before the symptoms appear, according to her. Let’s take a look.
LP (a) test
This is a test that measures lipoprotein (a) levels in your body. It helps to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart attack and stroke. “This is your single highest hereditary risk factor for Cardiovascular disease. Feel your number, and this test is usually done only once, ”Dr. Walen said in a video shared on Instagram. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is the main cause of death globally. In 2022, CVDs led to an estimated 19.8 million deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This is about 32% of all global deaths.
APOB test
An APOB (apolipoprotein b) test is a blood test that measures the amount of APOB protein, the primary protein in LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol particles and other lipoproteins. Dr. Walen emphasized that it is even better than the simple LDL test. “This number is more important, or this result is more important than your LDL, your non-HDL, as it includes all lipid particles that can cause atherosclerosis or plaque. With a high APOB you have a high risk of heart attack, ”she said.
Apoe test
Alzheimer’s Illness, the most common type of dementia, is one of the most important causes of disability and dependence among older people globally. It is also the seventh leading cause of death. But what if you can discover it years before. Apoe is a genetic test that can identify your risk to Alzheimer’s. This test identifies which variant of the APOE gene a person carries, specifically determines the presence of Apoe2, Apoe3 or APOE4 alleles. “This tells us if you are at risk, high risk of developing Late Alzheimer’s disease. And for many it is a hard test to take, and many say, I do not want to know my results, but if you know it, you can change any other risk factor that can cause Alzheimer’s disease or Dinge,” explained the doctor.
Ogtt or HbA1c
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Oral glucosetolesest (OGTT) measures how your body processes real-time glucose after a sugar-containing drink, while the HBA1C test measures average blood sugar for 2-3 months. The doctor suggests taking either an A1C or an oral glucose tolerance test. “Now the oral glucose tolerance test is a little more difficult to do, easier on A1C, and this value, or this result, it is, we can take into account as long as you have no anemia or any iron disorders.“
CMP
A particularly useful test is the A CMP test (comprehensive metabolic panel), since most have unhealthy lifestyle, it is a routine blood test that measures 14 different substances in the blood. It can tell a lot about your overall metabolism, electrolyte balance and organ function, especially your kidneys and liver.
Bottom line
We all know that prevention is better than a cure. Dr. Walen emphasized the importance of getting these blood works done. “Most people have never even heard of these, but they can save lives. Ask your doctor. Proponents for yourself. Knowledge = Prevention. So now you know it, five tests that all, regardless of age, should know the results of,” she added.
