Test results cause confusion for woman

Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 54-year-old woman, 5 feet tall, 200 pounds. I know I need to lose weight. I’m working on that.

I recently had blood taken at a health fair for a Chem 17 test (12-hour fast).

The results indicated total cholesterol of 236, triglycerides of 155, HDL of 49 and LDL of 156. Chol/HDL ratio is 4.44.

I also had a CRP, ultrasensitive score of 25.4.

I have had my cholesterol and triglycerides checked many times in the past. This is the first time I’ve had the CRP test done.

The report I received indicates that the reference range for CRP is 0.0 to 6.0. Needless to say, a rating of 25.4 was a bit disturbing.

The explanation on the report I received from the lab states: “Epidemiological studies suggest that CRP levels 3.0 mg/L indicate increased cardiovascular risk and when complicated with high levels of cholesterol there is a greater risk of myocardial infarction.

“Studies also suggest that CRP levels 2.1 mg/L are associated with a 2.9 fold increase in the risk of myocardial infection and a 1.9 fold increase in the risk of stroke.”

I scheduled an appointment with my family doctor to have him explain more about the relationship between the CRP score and elevated cholesterol and triglycerides.

His response was that he rarely orders the CRP test because the scores are almost always high if the cholesterol and triglycerides are high. They go hand in hand.

That makes some sort of sense to me, but I’m still a bit uncomfortable about the results and my doctor’s response.

It almost begs the question of which came first – the chicken or the egg.

I’m writing to you for a second opinion or at least further clarification. My father died of a massive stroke at the age of 58. My mother has had elevated cholesterol for many years.

I’m concerned. Should I be?

Dear Reader: C-reactive protein is a component in the blood that often reflects low-grade inflammation in the body’s arteries. Because many authorities now believe that such inflammation may be present in the coronary arteries, thus providing a warning signal of future heart problems, the CRP determination, if high, may indicate a significant risk of premature arterial blockage.

I believe that you are correct in being concerned about a CRP level that exceeds 6.

Along with being overweight, a moderate increase in your cholesterol levels and your family history, you are clearly at risk of developing heart problems.

I advise you to follow your physician’s advice about weight loss, increased physical activity, medication to reduce your cholesterol and close follow up.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my health reports “Understanding Cholesterol,” “Coronary Artery Disease” and “A Strategy For Losing Weight: Introduction to the No Flour, No Sugar Diet.”

Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 for each report to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).