The Ultra Cardiac Profile© is composed of the following tests:

hs-CRP: C-Reactive Protein is a blood marker for inflammatory diseases. Until current times medical scientists and doctors did not have information about the significance of very low levels of CRP, and the cutoff point of normal to abnormal results was around 1.0 mg/dL.

The HIGH SENSITIVITY ASSAY used by American Metabolic Laboratories measures CRP levels ten times below the traditional cutoff point. This high sensitivity enables us to measure very low amounts of CRP in the range of 0.13 – 0.15mg/dL where coronary risk may already exist.

Interestingly, aspirin may have finally found its place in the prevention of myocardial infarction. It lowered the risk of MI by 55.7% in men with elevated hs-CRP. The risk reduction did appear to be directly related to CRP blood levels. See CAP today, January 2000, Clin. Chem., 1999;45(12); 2136-2141. CRP values less than 0.13mg/dL are desirable.

Lipoprotein (a): Lp (a) is a new test to help assess the risk of coronary artery disease. Lp (a) may be associated with coronary atherosclerosis and may be affected by the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors. Lp (a) normal values are less than 30mg/dL.

LDL direct or LDL-D: Low density lipoprotein cholesterol has been found as the key factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). Normally, LDL cholesterol is calculated, making it less accurate. American Metabolic Laboratories measures LDL-D, so our patients get the most precise result. Normal values for LDL-D are less than 130 mg/dL (desirable); 130 – 159 mg/dL (borderline high risk); 160mg/dL and above (high risk).

Homocysteine: a heart attack and stroke risk factor test.

Risk Levels:

• 5.0 no increased risk for MI or stroke
• 7.0 low risk
• 9.0 moderate risk
• 15.0 high risk
• Every 3 units of Homocysteine above 7.2 is 35% increased coronary arterial risk.

Chemistry 24: LDL and HDL cholesterols plus ratio, triglycerides, glucose, electrolytes, etc.