C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

An hs-CRP (highly sensitive C-reactive protein) less than 1 is low risk, 1-3 is moderate risk, and greater than 3 mg/L is high risk for a cardiovascular event which includes a stroke or heart attack.

What can lower the hs-CRP?

Diet and exercise modifications, blood pressure control, and cessation of smoking can lower your hs–CRP. The production of CRP by the liver is increased by interleukin 6 and tissue necrosis factor alpha, both of which are produced by the visceral adipose tissue or VAT fat. The VAT fat is the abdominal fat that creates the apple shape that is associated with heart disease. It’s not “pinchable fat” and it is the dangerous fat that creates many of the negative consequences of obesity that are plaguing America today. The good news is the VAT fat is the first to go when a person loses weight and increases their exercise level.

Women on oral hormone replacement therapy have higher levels of hs-CRP. Dr. Zipper uses only trans-dermal estrogen replacement therapy, which avoids this increase in hs-CRP. This is another heart-healthy reason to let Dr. Zipper collaborate with you in your decision-making process concerning your post menopausal hormone therapy.

Dr. Zipper can evaluate your cardiovascular risk with the lab work that she draws when you join her program at Fountain of You. In addition to diet and exercise modifications, Dr. Zipper can prescribe supplements to assist in attaining a heart healthy lifestyle.

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