The recent, unexpected loss of the siblings of two close friends and a family member within a single week, all due to suspected heart attacks, has significantly impacted me.
These events have underscored the importance of proactive heart health and inspired me to share information about a crucial blood test.
The Myeloperoxidase (MPO) test can help assess your risk of a heart attack. MPO is an enzyme in white blood cells that indicates inflammation, which can be a sign of plaque buildup in the arteries.
High levels of MPO are linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.
What does the MPO test measure?
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- Inflammation: MPO levels indicate inflammation in the blood.
- Plaque buildup: MPO levels can indicate the presence of unstable plaque in the arteries.
- Oxidative stress: MPO oxidizes LDL cholesterol and makes HDL less functional.
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What does the MPO test predict?
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- Heart attack: MPO levels can predict the risk of a heart attack, especially in people with chest pain.
- Stroke: MPO levels can predict the risk of stroke.
- Coronary artery disease: MPO levels can predict the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Mortality: MPO levels can predict the risk of mortality, especially in people with CAD.
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You can have high MPO (myeloperoxidase) levels and not know it because elevated MPO often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms on its own; it’s considered a marker for underlying inflammation, which may only manifest with symptoms when the inflammation becomes significant, potentially making high MPO levels “silent” until a related health issue develops.
Key points about MPO and symptoms:
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- No specific symptoms:
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High MPO levels typically don’t produce distinct symptoms like pain or discomfort, so people may be unaware of their elevated levels unless they get a blood test specifically checking for MPO.
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- Indicator of inflammation:
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MPO is an enzyme produced by white blood cells, and its elevation often signifies inflammation in the body, which can be related to conditions like atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries), autoimmune diseases, or infections.
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- Early detection benefit:
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The value of checking MPO levels lies in its potential to identify early signs of inflammation before more noticeable symptoms appear, allowing for preventive measures.
When to consider an MPO test:
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- Family history of heart disease: High MPO can be linked to increased cardiovascular risk.
- Risk factors for inflammation: Conditions like smoking, obesity, or chronic stress.
- Suspected autoimmune disease: Certain autoimmune diseases are associated with elevated MPO levels.
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As we age, I strongly encourage you to discuss the MPO test with your doctor. This can help assess your individual risk and identify strategies to prevent heart attacks and maintain long-term well-being.
The MPO test is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to understanding your overall heart health.
Disclaimer: As a Doctor of Chiropractic, I can assist with certain lab tests. However, I cannot provide medical diagnoses or treatment.
For Our Greater Health,
Dr. Steve
P.S. If you have any difficulty scheduling the test or would like my help in setting up the test, or would like assistance in understanding your results, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
