Wellness Testing at The Institute For Medical Wellness

 

A Healthy Heart, Mind and Body comprise many of the objectives of the Institute For Medical Wellness.

Heart Disease is the #1 killer of men and women in America. This year, over a million and a half people will have a heart attack, and hundreds of thousands will die never knowing they had heart disease, even people with normal cholesterol levels and normal stress test results!

Most physician offices will perform the same routine testing which may include an EKG, routine lipid profile and if necessary a stress test. While these are all valuable tests, they still miss too many individuals with heart disease. After these routine tests, many individuals are sent home with a false sense of security.

"Hey, all my tests were normal. I can keep doing what I am doing!!"

I can go into a very long winded explanation of why you need to do more for your heart health, but instead I will try to keep it short.

     1) Do you know that of individuals presenting to the hospital with a heart attack, 50% of these individuals have Total Cholesterol levels above 200?

My interpretation is that the 50% of individuals presenting with heart attacks have Total Cholesterol levels below 200!  So routine lipid levels do not tell us much!

     2) Do you know that stress tests will usually only find individuals with critical heart blockages of 70% or more?

My questions and interpretation: What if you have a 30% blockage, or a 50-60% blockage? Are you safe? Would you want to know what to do to prevent further blockages to continue, to avoid a critical 70% or more blockage from accumulating ?

     3) Are there genetic tests that predispose to heart disease and cancer?

      4) Are there any tests that measure how well I am doing nutritionally?

      5) Is there a way to determine if I am aging appropriately?

The answer to many of these questions is now YES!!

My goal at the Institute For Medical Wellness is to dig deeper and further to uncover hidden health and cardiac risks.

I am pleased to announce that the specialty labs we work with are running special pricing thru December 31, 2010, and that we are passing on the savings to you!

Please click here for the special pricing on specialized testing at the Institute For Medical Wellness.
 

Comprehensive Micronutrient Testing

We are what we eat, and what we eat and also do not eat plays an important role in our health, wellness and chance of disease. So how do we know if we are eating the correct diet and obtaining the necessary nutrients? One way is the Comprehensive micronutrient test, performed by Spectracell Labs, and now offered at the Institute For Medical Wellness.

The micronutrient test is a clinically effective diagnostic tool for the prevention and management of chronic disease conditions. There is overwhelming evidence confirming that nutrient deficiencies have been shown to suppress immune function contributing to chronic disease process including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer's.

Shown below is a list of the components of the comprehensive nutritional panel.

Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, D, Biotin, Folate, and Pantothenate
Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium and Copper
Amino acids: Asparagine, Glutamine, Serine
Antioxidants: Alpha lipoic acid, Coenzyme Q10, Cysteine, Glutathione, Selenium and Vitamin E
Fatty Acid: Oleic Acid
Metabolites: Choline, Inositol and Carnitine
Carbohydrate Metabolism: Chromium, Fructose Sensitivity, Glucose-Insulin Metabolism
Spectrox Total Antioxidant Function

The beauty of micronutrient testing is that it measures intracellular levels of these nutrients, as it is inside the cell that the nutrients perform their necessary functions. The measurements give readings of how your cells have functioned with these nutrients over the past six months, which allows for a much better evaluation of your overall health. The micronutrient test is performed by Spectracell Labs. This powerful test fits perfectly into our Health and Wellness Program.

Please note that this test is partially covered by most major insurances. The non-covered portion copayment of the Comprehensive Micronutrient test is $199, and is now available at the Institute For Medical Wellness.

Please click here for the special pricing on the Comprehensive Micronutrient test at the Institute For Medical Wellness.
 

Telomere Testing

Wouldn't it be nice to know if we are old or young for our age?

Well, the Telomere test can tell us!

What exactly does Telomere Testing measure?

Telomeres are sections of genetic material at the end of each chromosome whose primary function is to prevent chromosomal “fraying” when a cell replicates. As a cell ages, its telomeres become shorter. Eventually, the telomeres become too short to allow cell replication, the cell stops dividing and will ultimately die - a normal biological process. The telomere test as performed by Spectracell Labs can determine the length of an individuals telomeres in relation to their age.

The Patient Telomere Score is calculated based on the individuals telomere length on white blood cells (T-lymphocytes). This is the average compared to telomere length on lymphocytes from a sample of the American population in the same age range. The higher the telomere score, the "younger" the cells. A Telomere Score that is above the average line is desirable.

Serial evaluation of telomere length is an indicator of how rapidly one ages relative to a normal population. Therapies directed at slowing the loss of telomere length may slow aging and age-related diseases.

Please note that this test is not covered by any insurance plans at this time.

Telomere testing is now available at the Institute For Medical Wellness for $449.

Please click here for the special pricing on the Telomere test at the Institute For Medical Wellness.

Apo-E Genotype Testing

Gene testing is now available, and can be used to determine if you are at extra risk for heart disease.

The Apo-E genotype test determines an individual's genetic risk associated with the Apolipoprotein E gene. ApoE is involved in the metabolism of cholesterol and triglycerides, and variants in this gene can have clinically relevant implications for disease risk as well as one's response to statin therapy, dietary fat, and other risk factors (eg., smoking and alcohol consumption).

Approximately 45% of individuals carry one or more of the high risk variants within the ApoE gene. The results of the genotyping of Apolipoprotein E have important implications in the treatment strategies for individual patients in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.

Apo E3/E3 is the most common genotype, and is not associated with an increased coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.

Patients with E4/ E4 and E3/E4 have elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides when their diets are high in saturated fat. These patients respond well to a low fat diet but less well to conventional therapies like exercise, alcohol or statins.

Patients with E2/E2, E2/E3 or E2/E4 have lower LDL cholesterol, but elevated triglyceride and triglyceride rich lipids, and respond well to exercise, alcohol and statins; in such patients a low fat diet tends to have minimal effect on LDL.

The extra beauty of Apo-E genotype testing is that it only needs to be performed once in a lifetime, as your genes never change.

This test is available at the Institute For Medical Wellness for $149.

Please click here for the special pricing on the Apo-E gene test at the Institute For Medical Wellness.

Omega-3 Index

Probably my favorite test at the Institute For Medical Wellness!

We all hear that eating fish is good for us. Many believe that it is the fat, more specifically the omega-3 fats, EPA and DHA, that are responsible for good health. But there are other types of fats in our diets that oppose the beneficial actions of the Omega-3's. Wouldn't it be great if we had a test that could accurately measure these fats, and give us a simple and effective guide to better health through diet, and if necessary supplementation.

Look no further!!!

The HS-Omega-3 Index is a new test that measures blood levels of the cardioprotective omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, as well as a whole host of other fats present in our blood cells. The test is performed by OmegaQuant Analytics, and offered at the Institute for Medical Wellness.

Below is a simple diagram used to determine if an individuals Omega-3 content is desirable, or undesirable.



As the diagram indicates, the desired HS-Omega-3 Index level is over 8%, but most Americans are at about 4%.

Why do I love this test?

The Omega-3 Index test gives what I call, "actionable information", that can guide changes in diet and supplement usage to lower your risk of not just heart disease, but many other inflammatory diseases including , but not limited to, Arthritis, Attention deficit disorder, Asthma, Migraines, and many others.

This test is available at the Institute For Medical Wellness for $149.

Please click here for the special pricing on the Omega-3 index offered at the Institute For Medical Wellness.

Lipoprotein Particle Testing

Wow! Sounds intense!!

This is actually a more specialized form of cholesterol testing that will give us more information to help find the 50% of individuals at risk that routine cholesterol testing fails to uncover. I have made it clear that I am not a believer in the "cholesterol causes heart disease" club.

So why do I measure cholesterol levels at all, and why run a more sophisticated test?

In my view, cholesterol readings are similar to temperature readings. If they appear out of the norm, then something is up. For example, if an individual has a pneumonia, an infection in his lungs, that besides a hacking productive cough, has an elevated temperature of 101 degrees, my question to you is, "Does treating the 101 fever cure the pneumonia?"

The answer is an obvious "No".

But taking a tylenol or advil does bring down a symptom of the pneumonia, without actually treating its cause. In the same logic, treating elevated cholesterol readings with prescription medications, only lowers cholesterol levels in the blood, but does not prevent furthering of heart disease in more than 1 out of every 100 individuals who use them. So we are treating a symptom by using statin medications to lower our cholesterol, masking our actual risks, and not touching the cause.

That is why I prefer to utilize more sophisticated cholesterol and lipid testing to better the odds of finding out who is truly at risk. When I find these risks, we work on finding the cause, such as poor diet and lifestyle choices, as opposed to using prescription medications. Retesting each individual after dietary and lifestyle management confirms that our advice is working.

The Lipoprotein particle testing, performed by Spectracell Labs, and offered at The Institute For Medical Wellness, gives me extra information I need to find to help your body fix itself!

Cholesterol testing has historically been used as the standard indicator for cardiovascular disease classified as HDL (good) or LDL (bad). However, it is actually the lipoprotein particles that carry the cholesterol throughout the body, not necessarily the cholesterol within them, that are responsible for key steps in plaque production and the resulting development of cardiovascular disease.

Measuring the lipoprotein subgroups is the only way to evaluate new risk factors, which is crucial for an accurate assessment of cardiovascular risk.

The Institute For Medical Wellness, via Spectracell laboratories, uses advanced cholesterol testing technology to accurately measure both the density and number of lipoprotein particles.

The drawing above illustrates different risks for the four individuals, even though they have the same LDL cholesterol levels. For those of you who have already had spent the time with me reviewing your specialized testing, the big circles to the left are Type A Big Fluffy LDL cholesterol, while the smaller circles to the right are the small dense LDL cholesterol. Measuring these particles gives me actionable information to help you achieve and maintain optimal health and wellness!

Please note that the Lipoprotein particle test is partially covered by most major insurances. The non-covered copayment portion of the Lipoprotein particle test is available at the Institute For Medical Wellness for $99.

Please click here for the special pricing on the Lipoprotein particle test at the Institute For Medical Wellness.

The VAP Test

The VAP Test performed by Atherotec laboratory, is also offered at the Institute For Medical Wellness.

The VAP Test uses an advanced technology that provides a more accurate, individualized picture of heart disease risk, so we can take steps to prevent future heart attacks. The VAP Expanded Lipid Profile measures not only the basic information provided by the routine cholesterol test, but also identifies hidden cholesterol problems that can increase the risk of developing heart disease-even if routine cholesterol test results are "normal." As a result, the VAP Test was named one of "Ten Ways to Live Longer" by Forbes.com, and was selected as one of "Five Tests Worth Paying for" by The Wall Street Journal.

VAP Technology also allows the measurement of secondary targets of therapy and emerging risk factors, which play a role in raising a patient's level of risk. Measuring these risk factors is key to managing atherogenic dyslipidemia, setting more aggressive LDL goals, and providing expanded indications for therapy.
      Increased remnant lipids (intermediate-density lipoprotein and small very low-density lipoprotein) are candidates for intervention, and can heighten heart disease risk substantially beyond that predicted by LDL alone.
      The "atherogenic lipid triad" of the metabolic syndrome (low high-density lipoprotein heart disease at any LDL level.
      LDL Pattern B is an indication for atherogenic dyslipidemia and the metabolic syndrome.
      Elevated lipoprotein(a) is an independent risk factor for heart disease.

Patients with abnormal screening profiles or positive family history also benefit from identification of secondary and emerging risk factors that may be used based on clinical judgment to raise a patient's risk classification, lower the target LDL goal, and/or modify the treatment plan.

The VAP test is available at the Institute For Medical Wellness for $75, regardless of insurance coverage. If you have insurance coverage, the same $75 will get you the added cardiovascular risk stratifying tests which include:

C-Reactive Protein-hs

High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) has been recognized for its ability to predict future coronary events in apparently healthy individuals. Recent data has shown predictive value of hsCRP is significantly higher than that associated with traditional or novel biochemical risk markers. Elevated hsCRP is an excellent marker for assessing the potential risk of an MI because acute inflammation increases the potential for plaque rupture.

Homocysteine

Excess levels of homocysteine can be associated with heart disease and stroke, and may contribute to arterial wall injury. Arteries damaged by this process are more likely to narrow or close completely due to infiltration of cholesterol during atherosclerosis. Elevated levels of homocysteine in conjunction with cholesterol abnormalities raise the risk of patient's development of CAD and other vascular complications.

PLAC (Lp-PLA2)

The PLAC test is a blood test that measures the level of Lp-PLA2 in the blood. This enzyme is highly specific to vascular inflammation and is implicated in the formation of rupture-prone plaque. The more Lp-PLA2 found in circulation the greater the risk for heart attack or stroke.

Vitamin D

Usually Vitamin D is ordered to assess risk for bone loss related to vitamin deficiency. Recent publications have shown that Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with increased cardiovascular risk, above and beyond established cardiovascular risk factors. The higher risk associated with Vitamin D deficiency is particularly evident among individuals with high blood pressure.

Glucose

Glucose is a simple sugar that serves as the main source of energy for the body. Blood glucose testing can be used to screen healthy, asymptomatic individuals for diabetes and pre-diabetes because diabetes is a common disease that begins with few symptoms. Occasionally, a blood glucose level may be ordered along with insulin to monitor insulin production.

HbA1c

HbA1c is measured to monitor a person's diabetes and to aid in treatment decisions. The closer diabetics can keep their HbA1c to < 6%, the better their diabetes is under control. As the HbA1c increases, so does the risk of complications, as well as abnormal cholesterol profiles.

Insulin

Insulin is measured to help evaluate insulin production, to help determine the cause of hypoglycemia, and to document insulin resistance in patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), pre-diabetes or heart disease (especially if overweight), Metabolic Syndrome, or disorders related to the pituitary or adrenal glands.

TSH

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is used to screen for and help diagnose thyroid disorders; to monitor treatment of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Abnormal levels of TSH are one cause of lipoprotein abnormalities. Before treating cholesterol abnormalities thyroid function must be restored.

ALT

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is used to screen and test for liver damage. Some patients taking cholesterol-lowering medications can experience liver damage, and should have their ALT monitored to eliminate this risk.

AST

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is used to screen and test for liver damage. Some patients taking cholesterol-lowering medications can experience liver damage, and should have their AST monitored to eliminate this risk.

CK

Creatine Kinase (CK) is used to determine whether you have had a heart attack or if other muscles in your body have been damaged due to injury or medications. A high CK, or one that goes up between the first to the second or later samples, generally indicates that there has been some damage to the heart or other muscles.

BUN

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) is used to evaluate and monitor kidney function. Increased BUN levels suggest impaired kidney function and may be a result of therapy and /or some renal conditions. Some lipoprotein abnormalities can occur in patients with diminished renal function.

Creatinine

Increased creatinine levels in the blood suggest diseases or conditions that affect kidney function. These can include death of cells in the kidneys' small tubes (acute tubular necrosis) caused, for example, by drugs or toxins, reduced blood flow to the kidneys due to shock, dehydration, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, or complications of diabetes. Some lipoprotein abnormalities can occur in patients with diminished renal function.

Cystatin C

Cystatin C is a measure of kidney function. People with some form of chronic kidney disease are at greater risk for developing heart disease than they are from having kidney failure.

The VAP test is available at the Institute For Medical Wellness for $75, regardless of insurance coverage.

Please click here for the special pricing on the VAP test at the Institute For Medical Wellness.

Heart Scan

There are many factors involved in stratifying your heart disease risk. But the newest technique I use is called a Heart Scan and uses a Coronary calcium score to gauge your risk. This very quick test uses CAT scan technology to measure the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries.

The calcium score provided by this test gives you an extremely reliable gauge of the plaque present in your coronary arteries, something no other test - even a stress test - can do. The higher the calcium score, the greater the quantity of plaque in your coronary arteries, and the higher the risk for heart attack and other cardiac catastrophes. The coronary calcium score can therefore be used as a yardstick for your coronary plaque. It can also be tracked for its increase, stabilization, or decrease allowing you to tailor your treatment for optimum results.

I like yardsticks.

When a woman thinks she is pregnant and gets a blood test, she wants to know how far along in the pregnancy she is. That is valuable information for her prenatal care. As it relates to heart disease, I like to know, not just yes I have the disease, or no I do not, but if I am at a low, moderate or high risk of developing a worsening of the disease, or worse, of having a heart attack in the near future. The coronary calcium score gives me this information.

I am pleased to announce that a Heartscan that provides a coronary calcium score is an integral part of the Institute for Medical Wellness Health and Wellness Program, and I encourage you to ask if it is right for you!

The Heartscan is offered at the Institute For Medical Wellness for $249.

Please click here for the special pricing on the Heartscan at the Institute For Medical Wellness.

Now, thru December 31, 2010, there are special discounts available. Please click here for more details.