The Truth about C Reactive Protein and Cholesterol Lowering Drugs

You might disagree, but hear me out on this...

The drug companies know what they want you to think. They want you to think that the only reliable predictor for heart disease is an elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level, and the best way to decrease your risk to take "statin" drugs such as Zocor and Lipitor. Cholesterol-reducing medications are among the highest-grossing pharmaceutical products ever, so drug companies want to lead you to their medications. But an elevated LDL-cholesterol level is not the only predictor of heart disease. It's not even the best predictor--that honor goes to a little known test that looks for elevated levels of C-reactive protein.

What is C-reactive protein?

C-reactive protein is produced by the body during times of inflammation. Doctors are not exactly sure why some people have elevated C reactive protein and others have normal levels, but they do know that high C reactive protein is linked to higher rates of heart disease, stroke, heart attack, and sudden cardiac death.

Traditional doctors agree that a test for C-reactive protein is a better measure of a person's risk for heart disease than cholesterol. The New England Journal of Medicine reported in November of 2002 that elevated C reactive protein predicts cardiovascular problems better than elevated LDL-cholesterol. The American Heart Association agrees.

How Is Elevated C Reactive Protein Determined?

The test to determine C-reactive protein levels is quite simple. A blood sample is taken, and the sample is analyzed in the laboratory. It's a test that's neither expensive nor invasive.

Even though doctors agree that C-reactive protein is such a powerful predictor for heart disease, the simple test is not often offered to patients. Why? They don't ask for it. Commercial advertising (supported by pharmaceutical companies who make money from lowering people's cholesterol levels) leads patients to ask their doctors to prescribe cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. They rarely ask about C-reactive protein tests and remedies because it's not a big-money business.

What Home Remedies Treat High C Reactive Protein?

Drug companies that sell statin drugs know that they could lose money if people start worrying more about their C-reactive protein levels than they do about their LDL-cholesterol levels. They are quick to point out that studies show that the same drugs used to lower cholesterol will also lower C-reactive protein. However, these drugs are both expensive and dangerous. Muscle reactions have left patients severely disfigured, and even physicians are questioning the wisdom and efficacy of widespread use of statin drugs.

Happily, natural healing offers many ways to keep C-reactive protein levels in the healthy range. These methods can be used to lower elevated C reactive protein, or to maintain good heart health. Even better, natural methods for reducing C-reactive protein have been proven by scientists to be as good as or better than drug therapy at combating C-reactive protein.

Diet--Healthnotes Newswire reported the conclusions of one study that showed that making several positive changes to one's diet could significantly reduce C-reactive protein levels. Adding plant sterols, insoluble fiber, soy protein, and almonds to the low-fat, vegetarian diets of test subjects helped reduce C-reactive protein levels by 28 percent more than a control group fed a low-fat, vegetarian diet.

Other studies have found links between increased consumption of whole grains and reduced C-reactive protein levels. These studies show that subjects who ate more simple carbohydrates had higher C reactive protein levels than subjects who ate more complex carbs.

Supplementation--Vitamin and mineral supplements have also shown to be an inexpensive, effective weapon against C-reactive protein.

Niacin--Niacin is a B-complex vitamin that works so well to lower cholesterol and C-reactive protein that it is regulated by the FDA and available by doctors in prescription strengths. Consumers can also buy high-quality B-complex vitamins, which have many other benefits, from any health food store.

Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin E--Supplementing with vitamin E will reduce your C-reactive protein levels and enhance your health. Scientists have recently proven that combining vitamin E supplementation with coenzyme Q10 is even more effective, and can reduce C-reactive protein levels by as much as 30 percent.

Conclusions

It's still a good idea to make the diet and lifestyle changes that will lower your LDL-cholesterol levels. Reducing your intake of trans and saturated fats will help you live a longer life. If you're concerned about your risk of coronary disease, though, focus on you C-reactive protein levels. Ask your doctor for a blood test to determine your level of C-reactive protein. If it's high, talk to your physician about using diet and exercise, along with nutritional supplementation, to lower your C-reactive protein levels and your risk of heart disease.

References

"Comparison of C-Reactive Protein and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in the Prediction of First Cardiovascular Events." Paul M. Ridker, M.D., Nader Rifai, Ph.D., Lynda Rose, M.S., Julie E. Buring, Sc.D., and Nancy R. Cook, Sc.D. The New England Journal of Medicine. 347:1557-1565, Nov. 11, 2002.

"Inflammation, Heart Disease and Stroke: The Role of C-Reactive Protein." http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4648

"Dietary Changes Can Reduce Cholesterol and C-Reactive Protein as Much as Medication." http://www.newhope.com/news.cfm?news=1355.

Dan Ho is editor of both Nutritional Supplement Info Spotlight, and Beat Your Health Condition which offer unconventional and unique solutions for common health issues. Claim your FREE subscription to his newsletter now at Nutritional Supplements Info Newsletter.

---

The Basic First Aid for Child Care Programs

We cannot help but accept the fact that children do... Read More

Pain Relief Drugs 101 What You Need to Know

Ever given a piece of thought to how actually one... Read More

How to Tell If Online Consultations Are Right For You

As computers, Internet and technology have become increasingly more available... Read More

Lunesta Memory Problems

Lunesta may be the only sleeping pill that is FDA... Read More

Family Healthcare: The Dangers Of A Heart Attack & How To Avoid It

A heart attack happens when the blood supply to part... Read More

How to Find a Drug Rehab in Florida?

When you're in need, the quickest way is the best:... Read More

Your Kidney Function Really Matters: A Lighter Look at What You Need to Know to Prevent Adverse Dru

When you (or loved ones) are taking prescription or over... Read More

Thimerosal: Autism and Mercury Poisoning Side Effects?

Thimerosal is a preservative that is added to vaccines (has... Read More

The Pain Factor

Last year I told an acquaintance that at the age... Read More

Ativan Side Effects Lawyer

The drug Lorazepan is marketed under the names Alzapam, Ativan,... Read More

Top Five FAQs About Nail Fungus

What is nail fungus?Nail fungus, also known as Onychomycosis, is... Read More

Check Out The Wonders Of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is the essential oil comes from the... Read More

Medical Billing Specialist

As Pres. Bush was touring the Midwest, shortly before he... Read More

The True Meaning of Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is a type of therapeutic practice that is... Read More

Cetyl Myristoleate for Arthrtis: Science or Speculation

There are a lot of fabulous stories about Cetyl Myristoleate... Read More

Natural Vitamin E Combined with Vitamin C for Treatment of Alzheimers Disease

Checklist of Treatments for Alzheimer's DiseasePart 2 of 82. Vitamin... Read More

The Neurological Exam: Evaluating the Master Organ

How does a mind contemplate itself? That's a philosophical question... Read More

How Distressing is Social Phobia?

I remember a friend in college who would blush, sweat,... Read More

Medical Billing Software Takes the Stage

Medical Billing SoftwareThe practice is running smoothly, with patients coming... Read More

Three Questions People Are Asking About Health Care in America

Q. Why is there so may uninsured people in America?A.... Read More

The Ease of Using a Motorized Wheelchair to Improve Mobility

No person likes to feel housebound and dependent on others.... Read More

10 Reasons To Buy Drugs From An Online Canadian Pharmacy

1. Online Canadian pharmacies offer overall best prices on Canadian... Read More

The Right Stethoscope For Your Needs!

Just about all health care providers have need of stethoscopes.... Read More

Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Cybill Shepherd Reveals All

Cybill Shepherd has revealed that she suffers from irritable bowel... Read More

Naproxen Lawyer: Aleve Recall Consideration

Naproxen belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory... Read More