Additional Lab Markers to Track and Monitor for Cardiovascular Disease

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Author: Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., DACBN, MS, CFMP

Article courtesy of Functional Medicine University.

Here we focus on the value of tracking and monitoring the basic complete blood count (CBC) as it relates to increased cardiovascular events.

It is recommended to consider taking a deeper look at the components of the CBC blood levels, especially white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin, platelets, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and red cell distribution width (RDW).

Most physicians do not commonly relate abnormally high levels of the above CBC markers and increased cardiovascular disease but the peer reviewed literature proves otherwise.

Here are the CBC components I recommend you review on your most recent or past lab work.

  • WBC above 9 thousand increases risk of heart attack by 4x
  • If hemoglobin is high so is blood pressure
  • RDW above 14.5 increases cardiovascular risk
  • MCV above 95 = 25% higher CVD risk
  • Platelet count above 400 = 50% higher risk of CVD

Action Steps to Take To Improve Cardiovascular Risk

  1. Rule out B-12 and folate deficiency
  2. Curb systemic inflammation
  3. Drink plenty of filtered or spring water
  4. Rule out infection

Comments

Although this is a small component of looking at other cardiovascular markers, I suggest seeking the expertise of a doctor trained in functional medicine who can perform a more comprehensive review of your cardiovascular health and outline an effective diagnostic and treatment plan.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6224537/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11590089/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/03/050323134019.htm
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.119.045102
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/01.CIR.84.2.613
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2019.00109/full
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.112.193565
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4261384/

The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.

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