Understanding Inflammation's Role in Heart Disease Risk for El Paso Residents

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AI Summary
Recent studies highlight chronic inflammation as a significant, yet often overlooked, contributor to heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. Standard tests primarily measure cholesterol and triglycerides, missing this critical risk factor. The American College of Cardiology now recommends including tests for inflammatory biomarkers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in routine cardiovascular assessments. Approximately 50% of U.S. adults have moderate or higher inflammatory risk without awareness, making early detection crucial for prevention. El Paso residents are encouraged to discuss these tests with their healthcare providers to better understand their heart health.
Key Details: • Consider asking your doctor about hs-CRP testing during your next physical. • Chronic inflammation can be caused by factors like obesity, smoking, and stress. • hs-CRP levels: 1.0-2.0 mg/L indicates moderate risk; ≥3.0 mg/L indicates high risk.