Why Should You Have Cardiometabolic Testing?
&srotate=0)
Even if you have an annual physical and bloodwork every year, you may not be getting the complete picture of your health. In many cases, standard bloodwork does not include an in-depth assessment of your cardiometabolic profile, which can provide critical information about your risk for metabolic syndrome — which may include an elevated risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and more. Because of this, it is important to consider adding cardiometabolic testing to your routine health screenings.
In particular, patients with known risk factors for diabetes, heart disease, and other components of metabolic syndrome should speak with their healthcare providers about the importance of cardiometabolic testing for them specifically. At Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Beverly Hills, CA, board-certified physician and wellness specialist Dr. Avi Ishaaya offers convenient cardiometabolic testing and comprehensive, customized guidance and care based on your results. Wondering when, if, and why you may need a cardiometabolic evaluation? Keep reading for the answers.
What is a cardiometabolic test?
A cardiometabolic test is performed using a simple blood draw. The test is used to evaluate a number of labs, which often are more extensive than the bloodwork included in an annual wellness exam. Specifically, cardiometabolic testing evaluates the levels of insulin, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, and potentially more if recommended. The results of a cardiometabolic test can help patients better understand their risk for a variety of conditions, including serious conditions, like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
When is cardiometabolic testing recommended?
While almost anyone could benefit from cardiometabolic testing to get a closer look at their health status and potential risk for metabolic syndrome, patients who are already known to be at risk of diabetes, stroke, and other metabolic syndrome conditions may be strongly encouraged to have a cardiometabolic test. Some of the signs, symptoms, and risk factors that may mean a cardiometabolic test would be appropriate for you include:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Obesity
- Elevated BMI
- Elevated cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoker
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Elevated stress levels
- Poor diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of heart disease, stroke, or diabetes
- Over 45 years of age
- Hormone imbalance
- Thyroid dysfunction
- PCOS
- Sleep apnea
What happens if my cardiometabolic test results are abnormal?
Dr. Ishaaya will carefully evaluate the results of your cardiometabolic blood panel, taking into consideration any other bloodwork that was performed, your family history, your overall health history, and other factors in order to determine the most appropriate course of action that may be needed. If your cardiometabolic test results are normal, he may suggest routine monitoring and continuing healthy habits. For an abnormal cardiometabolic test result, the recommendations will vary based on which components were abnormal, the severity of the abnormality, and other individual factors. Some general measures and treatments that may be recommended for a patient with an elevated risk of metabolic syndrome and/or abnormal cardiometabolic test results include:
- Lifestyle modifications
- Dietary modifications
- Quitting smoking
- Losing weight
- Reducing stress
- IV nutrient therapy
- Hormone replacement therapy
With a customized approach based on your results and risk factors, Dr. Ishaaya is committed to helping you reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other potential health problems so that you can enjoy all that life has to offer for as long as possible.
Get a more complete picture of your health and risk factors with cardiometabolic testing in Beverly Hills, CA
Whether you're already at risk for metabolic syndrome or you are simply looking to get more extensive bloodwork that may point to unknown risk factors, we are here to help. For more information on whether cardiometabolic testing may be beneficial for you, call our friendly team at Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers to schedule a consultation with Beverly Hills board-certified physician Dr. Avi Ishaaya today.