The Total Health and Wellness Center of Taos has added two more tests to its services. C reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver that increases whenever there is inflammation in the body. CRP is also produced in the endothelial cells that line the arteries. Research has discovered that long before there are signs of coronary artery disease, the endothelial layers are inflamed. Some research indicates that CRP not only is a marker of inflammation but also contributes to damage to the arteries. CRP levels are also increased by other cardiovascular risk factors including age, smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes. As a result people at higher risk for heart disease have higher levels of CRP. The American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines on CRP testing in 2003. The guidelines suggest that CRP should be measured twice two weeks apart and the results averaged, testing is not warranted for people with a low risk of developing cardiovascular disease (less than 10% risk in 10 years), and that testing be used to help physicians determine treatment for patients at intermediate risk (10 to 20% in 10 years). In addition, CRP testing may be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in heart disease. A number of factors can affect the accuracy of the test including food (a 12-hour fast is required prior to testing), pregnancy (pregnant women normally have higher CRP levels), stress (psychological stress can mildly increase levels), strenuous exercise (may moderately elevate levels), and IUD contraceptive devices (may cause moderate elevations). Statins and corticosteroids can lower CRP measurements while oral contraceptives may falsely elevate measurements. In summary, the CRP test is used to screen for inflammation in people with moderate risk of heart disease and to monitor the effectiveness of therapy in those being treated for heart disease.

The TSH test is used to measure levels of thyroid stimulating hormone. Thyroid stimulating hormone is released by the pituitary gland in response to low levels of thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones control metabolism and many body functions including heart rate and temperature. Metabolism is the process by which the body produces energy from food. TSH testing is done to determine if the thyroid gland is functioning normally and to monitor the effectiveness of thyroid disease treatment. TSH is elevated in cases of an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) and low in cases of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Results of the test can be affected by certain medications (corticosterods, lithium, and others), X rays or tests using iodine contrast medium or radioactive iodine, chronic stress or long-term illness, and pregnancy in the first trimester. The TSH test is the best screening for conditions of the thyroid gland.

Both of these tests are now available at the Total Health and Wellness Center of Taos. Call Jake or Becky at (575) 737-5810 to schedule a test or to get more information. The Total Health and Wellness Center of Taos is you disease prevention resource.

References: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/thyroid-stimulating-hormone-tsh, http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/crp-test-heart-disease.html.

[Return to Archive Index]

[PageTop]