February is Heart Health Month, and while many people associate heart health with routine cholesterol checks, there’s much more to the story. Many believe that cholesterol, particularly LDL cholesterol, is the cause of heart disease. Although cholesterol is a significant factor, heart disease is more complicated, and other values on a blood test can offer clues to heart health.
I see many clients whose cholesterol levels start rising as they age, and they’re often told that lowering LDL cholesterol is the key to preventing heart disease. However, a better way to assess heart health is by looking at additional markers, not just total cholesterol and LDL.
Statins are widely prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol, yet they do not necessarily prevent a cardiac event because they fail to address the underlying root causes of heart disease, such as insulin resistance, inflammation, and poor metabolic health. If we want to truly understand and protect heart health, we need to look deeper at functional blood markers that provide a more complete picture.
Let’s break down key markers that go beyond standard cholesterol tests and help assess true cardiovascular risk.
1. Homocysteine
What it is:
Homocysteine is an amino acid that, when elevated, can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke by damaging blood vessels and promoting inflammation. It is a critical marker for methylation, a process that affects detoxification, DNA repair, and neurotransmitter production.
Why it matters:
✔ High levels can contribute to arterial damage and increase blood clot risk
✔ Associated with poor methylation and B-vitamin deficiencies
✔ Linked to neurological issues, cognitive decline, and dementia
Causes of high homocysteine:
✔ Deficiency in B vitamins (B6, B9 (folate), B12)
✔ Poor methylation due to genetic mutations (MTHFR variant)
✔ High oxidative stress and inflammation
✔ Kidney dysfunction
2. ApoB (Apolipoprotein B)
What it is:
ApoB is a more accurate predictor of heart disease than LDL cholesterol alone. It measures the number of atherogenic (plaque-forming) lipoproteins in the blood, which contribute to arterial damage and blockages.
Why it matters:
✔ Provides a better assessment of heart disease risk than LDL or total cholesterol alone
✔ High levels mean more LDL particles capable of penetrating arterial walls
✔ Two people can have the same LDL cholesterol, but one may have significantly more ApoB particles, increasing their heart disease risk
Causes of high ApoB:
✔ High intake of processed and inflammatory fats
✔ Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
✔ Genetic predisposition (familial hypercholesterolemia)
✔ Poor liver function leading to inefficient lipid metabolism
3. Insulin
What it is:
Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar by helping glucose enter cells. High fasting insulin levels indicate insulin resistance, which can lead to:
✔ Heart disease
✔ High blood pressure
✔ Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
✔ Increased inflammation and oxidative stress
Why it matters:
✔ Chronically high insulin is one of the earliest warning signs of metabolic dysfunction
✔ Increased insulin levels contribute to arterial stiffness and high blood pressure
✔ Keeping insulin in check can prevent progression to diabetes and heart disease
Causes of high insulin:
✔ Diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar
✔ Sedentary lifestyle
✔ Chronic stress and poor sleep
✔ Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen
4. Uric Acid
What it is:
Uric acid is a byproduct of purine metabolism and is often associated with gout. However, high uric acid levels also indicate metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular risk.
Why it matters:
✔ Elevated uric acid is linked to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
✔ Can increase hypertension (high blood pressure)
✔ Contributes to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress
Causes of high uric acid:
✔ High intake of fructose (found in sodas, processed foods, and fruit juices)
✔ Excess alcohol consumption
✔ Poor kidney function leading to impaired excretion
✔ Diets high in purine-rich foods (red meat, shellfish, organ meats)
5. Triglycerides
What it is:
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. They are stored in fat cells and released for energy between meals. High triglycerides are a major risk factor for heart disease and metabolic syndrome, while low triglycerides can also indicate underlying health issues.
Why it matters:
✔ High triglycerides contribute to plaque formation in the arteries
✔ Often a sign of poor blood sugar control and insulin resistance
✔ Strongly linked to increased heart disease and stroke risk
✔ Low triglycerides can indicate malabsorption, hyperthyroidism, or poor fat metabolism
Causes of high triglycerides:
✔ Diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugars
✔ Excess alcohol consumption
✔ Poor liver function (fatty liver disease)
✔ Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance
Causes of low triglycerides:
✔ Malnutrition or chronic illness
✔ Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
✔ Poor fat absorption due to digestive disorders (e.g., celiac disease, gallbladder dysfunction, pancreatic insufficiency)
✔ Very low-fat diets that do not provide adequate healthy fats
Why These Markers Matter for YOU
I see many clients who are told their cholesterol is too high and are immediately placed on statins, yet their root cause is never investigated. Statins lower LDL, but they don’t necessarily prevent heart attacks—especially if the underlying issues (insulin resistance, inflammation, high homocysteine, or poor fat metabolism) are left unchecked.
✔ If you have a family history of heart disease or metabolic issues, these tests are critical.
✔ If you're struggling with weight loss, fatigue, or blood sugar imbalances, they can reveal hidden imbalances.
✔ If you want to take a proactive approach to aging well and staying heart-healthy, these are the tests to run.
Next Steps: Getting Tested and Taking Action
If you’re curious about your true heart health beyond just cholesterol, I can help you run these tests and create a customized plan based on your unique markers.
➡ If you’re interested in checking your homocysteine, ApoB, insulin, uric acid, and triglycerides, let’s talk. We’ll go over your current health status, what these markers reveal, and how to optimize your heart health through nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplements.
Your heart deserves more than just a basic cholesterol test. Let’s dig deeper and make 2025 the year you take control of your metabolic and cardiovascular health!
📩 Send me a message or book a consultation to get started.
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