Protect Your Heart With This Simple Blood Test Doctors Want You To Know About
Heart attacks strike without warning, but what if you could assess your risk in advance? Cardiologist Dr. Dmitry Yaranov has highlighted a simple blood test that could help predict the likelihood of a heart attack. In a post shared on June 16, he explained how this test works and offered tips on protecting your heart health. So, what is this potentially life-saving test? Let's find out.
The cardiologist said that the blood test is called C-reactive protein (CRP). 'The blood test that could save your life – and it's not cholesterol. CRP exposes silent inflammation that damages your arteries before you feel a single symptom. Most people have no idea their CRP is high – until it's too late. Even with 'normal' cholesterol, you could still be at risk. This is the kind of info that saves lives," he wrote, adding that even with normal cholesterol, having a high CRP would mean high risk.
Take a look at the post here.
Dr. Yaranov highlighted CRP as a key marker of silent inflammation, one that could play a vital role in identifying hidden heart attack risks. He said, 'CRP, or C-reactive protein, is produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Chronic inflammation can lead to blood vessel damage, significantly increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke."
Why Does CRP Matter?
According to Dr. Yaranov, elevated CRP levels are associated with increased risk of:
Heart attack
Stroke
Narrowed arteries (atherosclerosis)
Peripheral artery disease
Measuring CRP
For a comprehensive risk assessment, Dr. Yaranov recommends combining the hs-CRP test with cholesterol and Lp(a) [Lipoprotein(a)] blood tests. Here's how to interpret your hs-CRP results:
By understanding your CRP levels and combining them with other key markers, you can gain a clearer picture of your cardiovascular health and take proactive steps to reduce your risk.
How Can We Lower CRP?
Dr. Yaranov shares actionable tips to reduce inflammation and lower CRP levels:
Nourish your heart: Focus on a heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods, fruits and vegetables.
Get moving: Engage in regular physical activity to boost cardiovascular health.
Achieve a healthy weight: Shedding excess weight can help reduce inflammation and CRP levels.
Quit smoking: This would significantly lower your cardiovascular risk.
Explore treatment options: Consult your doctor about statins or other therapies that may help.
In addition, he emphasises that inflammation is a silent threat, but CRP testing can reveal hidden risks. Take charge of your heart health. Ask your doctor about your CRP levels and start your journey towards a healthier heart.
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First Published:
July 11, 2025, 19:59 IST
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