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When we evaluate cardiovascular risk in our patients, we typically use several tried-and-true metrics, all revolving around the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Through decades of research, we have homed in on several vital markers that help us develop proper screening protocols for our patients, which hopefully catch heart disease, if it should occur, at its earliest stages. An appropriate screening regimen can Improve our patients’ quality of life and often avoid or at least delay invasive cardiovascular procedures.
However, we are always searching for the next best diagnostic or risk evaluation option, and if you regularly listen to podcasts or have read into the subject, you may have heard of the omega-3 index. Doctors Clemens von Schacky and Bill Harris co-developed the omega-3 index in the early 2000s as they studied how certain cultures worldwide, especially those with diets high in omega-3s, showed exceptional cardiovascular health and longevity. To understand more, they developed the omega-3 index that gives us high-quality data on the concentration of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes. As expected, patients with higher concentrations of these compounds in their blood were less likely to experience cardiovascular problems than those with lower levels.
The omega-3 index has yet to become a routine blood test or widely used as a cardiovascular risk stratification tool. However, there is interest in this measure, and it may yet become one of the tools that helps us understand more about a patient’s cardiovascular status. You can measure your omega-3 index today through specialized blood testing even without a prescription. If you are concerned about your cardiovascular health and wish to try a possible measure of future risk, we see little downside other than the test cost of the Omega-3 Index.
What Test Do We Rely on Today?
The usefulness of the omega-3 index is also called into question because we already have a raft of exams and tests that can help us understand more about your cardiovascular risk.
Genetics. Patients with family members who developed heart disease relatively younger may be at greater risk for developing heart disease themselves. This does not mean that heart disease is a guarantee; it simply means that screening protocols should probably be started sooner.
High cholesterol. Obese patients are at significantly higher risk for following conditions like high cholesterol, sleep apnea, type two diabetes, and high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
Excess fat and sugar in the blood is problematic. Cholesterol and blood sugar can be easily measured through a standard blood panel and should be a test that your primary care physician performs once or more yearly. Cholesterol may increase the risk of atherosclerosis or plaque buildup along the artery walls that can eventually partially occlude the coronary blood vessels and cause high blood pressure followed by significant cardiovascular issues like a heart attack. Diabetes is a well-known risk factor for narrowed arteries and subsequent heart disease.
Interestingly, sleep apnea, also related to obesity, is a significant risk factor for longer-term heart disease. If your partner reports loud snoring or pauses between breaths while you sleep, they may have sleep apnea, which should be treated to improve your general lifestyle and reduce your risk.
Last but certainly not least, waist size is a significant predictive factor for longer-term cardiovascular disease. Men with a waist more critical than 40 inches and women with a waist over 35 inches are at significantly higher risk for cardiovascular disease. This may even be a better predictor than BMI since abdominal fat tissue is more problematic than fat distribution elsewhere in the body.
With that said, the most critical next step for anyone approaching middle age who has yet to see a cardiologist is to make an appointment to understand any potential risks they may have. Even if you have a clean bill of health and are active with a good diet, it’s essential to understand your cardiovascular health and stay abreast of any potential risk factors.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our cardiologists, we encourage you to contact us to learn more.
