4 Medical Tests That Might Save Your Life
That yearly checkup doesn't guarantee you're covered. Ask your M.D. about these important screens.
by Heather Lee
You wouldn't dream of skipping your annual Pap or even your twice-ayear teeth cleaning. But there are a few tests you may be missing that can spot early signs of heart disease, glaucoma, and more. "Doctors check for common problems, but you may need to ask for a specific screen if you're at risk for a certain disease," says Nieca Goldberg, M.D., medical director of the Women's Heart Program at the New York University Medical Center. Acquaint yourself with these tests and your body will thank you.
TEST High-sensitivity
C-reactive protein
This simple test measures the
amount of inflammation in your
body by examining levels of high-sensitivity
C-reactive protein (CRP)
in your bloodstream. The body
naturally produces an inflammatory
response to fight off infections and
heal wounds. "But chronically high
levels may cause your blood vessels
to harden or fat to build up in your
arteries," says Goldberg. In fact,
CRP may be an even stronger
predictor of heart disease than
cholesterol: According to a study
in the New England Journal of
Medicine, women with elevated
CRP levels were more likely to
suffer from cardiovascular disease
than those with high cholesterol.
Excess CRP has also been linked
to the development of other problems,
including diabetes, high blood
pressure, and Alzheimer's disease.
"The test is like an early warning
system for your entire body," says
Goldberg. If your level is high (a
score of 3 milligrams per liter or
more), your physician may recommend
that you exercise 30 minutes a
day and up your intake of produce,
whole grains, and lean protein. She
also may suggest taking medications,
such as cholesterol-lowering statins
or aspirin, to fight inflammation.
Who Needs It
Women with
several risk factors for heart disease,
meaning those with high cholesterol
(200 or more milligrams per deciliter)
and blood pressure (140/90
millimeters or more of mercury)
and a family history of early heart
disease. Ask for the high-sensitivity
CRP test rather than the standard
one, which is used for diagnosing
conditions such as inflammatory
bowel disease. The screen costs
about $60 and is covered by most
insurance plans.
