Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed.
1. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol
- General range: <100-160 mg/dL
- Ideal: <100 mg/dL
To manage LDL levels, adopt a heart-healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats, increase fiber intake, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly. Medications like statins may be prescribed if lifestyle changes alone are insufficient.
2. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol
- General range: >40-60 mg/dL
- Ideal: >60 mg/dL
Increase HDL levels by engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a diet rich in healthy fats (e.g., olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish), and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
3. Triglycerides
- General range: <150-200 mg/dL
- Ideal: <150 mg/dL
Manage triglyceride levels by reducing intake of simple carbohydrates and sugary foods, increasing consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol intake.
4. Total Cholesterol
- General range: <200-240 mg/dL
- Ideal: <200 mg/dL
Control total cholesterol by adopting a heart-healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and medications (if necessary) can also help.
5. Non-HDL Cholesterol
- General range: <130-160 mg/dL
- Ideal: <130 mg/dL
Manage non-HDL cholesterol by following the same strategies as for LDL and total cholesterol management, focusing on a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.
6. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]
- General range: <30-50 mg/dL
- Ideal: <30 mg/dL
Lp(a) levels are primarily genetically determined. However, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and not smoking, can help manage overall cardiovascular risk.
7. Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
- General range: <80-100 mg/dL
- Ideal: <80 mg/dL
Manage ApoB levels by following a heart-healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and taking medications (e.g., statins) if prescribed by a healthcare provider.
8. High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
- General range: <1-3 mg/L
- Ideal: <1 mg/L
Reduce hs-CRP levels by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and managing stress. Medications like statins may also help lower hs-CRP.
9. Homocysteine
- General range: <10-15 μmol/L
- Ideal: <10 μmol/L
Manage homocysteine levels by consuming a diet rich in folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. Supplements may be necessary if levels remain high despite dietary changes.
10. Fibrinogen
- General range: 200-400 mg/dL
- Ideal: 200-300 mg/dL
Control fibrinogen levels by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, not smoking, and managing stress. Medications like aspirin may be prescribed to reduce clotting risk.
11. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2)
- General range: <200-235 ng/mL
- Ideal: <200 ng/mL
Manage Lp-PLA2 levels by adopting a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking medications (e.g., statins) if prescribed by a healthcare provider.
12. Natriuretic Peptides (NT-proBNP or BNP)
- General range: <125-450 pg/mL (age-dependent)
- Ideal: <125 pg/mL
Control natriuretic peptide levels by managing underlying heart conditions, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and following a low-sodium diet. Medications may be prescribed to manage heart failure.
13. Troponin T or I
- General range: <0.01-0.03 ng/mL
- Ideal: <0.01 ng/mL
Manage troponin levels by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, controlling risk factors like hypertension and diabetes, and seeking prompt medical attention for chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack.
14. Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB)
- General range: <5-25 U/L
- Ideal: <5 U/L
Control CK-MB levels by managing underlying heart conditions, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, and seeking prompt medical attention for chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack.
15. Myeloperoxidase (MPO)
- General range: <350-400 pmol/L
- Ideal: <350 pmol/L
Manage MPO levels by adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in antioxidants, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking. Medications like statins may also help reduce MPO levels.
16. Adiponectin
- General range: >4-10 μg/mL
- Ideal: >10 μg/mL
Increase adiponectin levels by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Medications like thiazolidinediones may also help raise adiponectin levels.
17. Galectin-3
- General range: <17.8-25.9 ng/mL
- Ideal: <17.8 ng/mL
Manage galectin-3 levels by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, controlling risk factors like hypertension and diabetes, and taking medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors or ARBs) if prescribed by a healthcare provider.
18. Soluble ST2 (sST2)
- General range: <35 ng/mL
- Ideal: <35 ng/mL
Control sST2 levels by managing underlying heart conditions, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and following a heart-healthy diet. Medications may be prescribed to manage heart failure.
19. Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15)
- General range: <1200-1800 pg/mL
- Ideal: <1200 pg/mL
Manage GDF-15 levels by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, controlling risk factors like hypertension and diabetes, and taking medications if prescribed by a healthcare provider.
20. Oxidized LDL (OxLDL)
- General range: <60-70 U/L
- Ideal: <60 U/L
Control OxLDL levels by consuming a diet rich in antioxidants (e.g., fruits, vegetables, and whole grains), exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking. Medications like statins may also help reduce OxLDL levels.