Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among men in the Netherlands, and you usually don't feel the risk. A number of blood values relate to that risk: your cholesterol, your blood sugar and inflammation markers like hs-CRP. They don't predict disease, but they give insight.
Important to understand: a blood value is one piece of the puzzle. Your whole risk is judged by your GP, not by one number.
Which blood values relate to risk?
Often mentioned are LDL, triglycerides, HbA1c and hs-CRP. Sometimes ApoB is added. Together they give a picture, not a prediction.
What does an inflammation marker like hs-CRP say?
hs-CRP is a sensitive inflammation marker that has been linked to cardiovascular risk in research. A raised value can also come from an ordinary infection, so the context matters. Discuss the result with your GP.
How does this connect to the rest?
Cholesterol, blood sugar and belly fat often move together. See the pillar cholesterol in men and belly fat and your hormones. Erection problems are also sometimes seen as an early vascular signal; see morning erections gone.
Getting started
The Cardiovascular Health panel brings several of these markers together. For a broad metabolic view there's the Complete Metabolic Panel.
References
- Sniderman AD, et al. Apolipoprotein B particles and cardiovascular disease: a narrative review. JAMA Cardiol. 2019;4(12):1287-1295. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2019.3780.
- NHG-Standaard Cardiovascular risk management (biology). Dutch College of General Practitioners.
- Dutch Heart Foundation (Hartstichting). Risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Disclaimer
Caliberhealth works with BIG-registered doctors who assess your blood results. This article gives general information and is not a substitute for medical advice from a GP or specialist. A blood test is a tool, not a diagnosis in itself. For serious symptoms, contact your GP, or in an emergency call 112.
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