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Enhanced Cardiac Care Panel |
Nutrasource Diagnostics Inc. has long been involved in cardiovascular research, and the prevention of chronic disease
is a cornerstone of our company vision.
In partnership with key diagnostic companies, we are introducing four novel
diagnostic tests to the Canadian market. These minimally-invasive tests can be used by health care practitioners
or researchers as indicators of disease progression and risk of cardiovascular events, either when used independently
or alongside standard biomarker testing such as hs-CRP.
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As reported in the Framingham Heart Study, 50% of cardiovascular events occur in patients with unremarkable lipid
levels, highlighting the prevalence of hidden cardiovascular risk.
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This data shows that traditionally measured biomarkers simply are not enough to determine an individual’s cardiovascular
disease risk. To provide the best available insight into harmful inflammation and its role in the development of
chronic disease, we are working with LifeLabs, Cleveland Heart Lab,
diaDexus and Bescot Healthcare, leading
companies in cardiovascular research.
Each diagnostic test offered under the Enhanced Cardiac Care Panel provides helpful information which will support the
development, implementation and monitoring of effective prevention and treatment strategies. These tests will
help to identify which patients are at a higher risk of adverse event, and will help to promote healthy lifestyle
changes and patient autonomy.
The Omega Score™
The Omega Score™ Whole Blood Test measures levels of the long chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA),
docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These naturally occurring long-chain polyunsaturated fatty
acids cannot be made in the body in significant amounts. They are obtained largely through the diet and are most
effectively taken in from marine sources or supplementation.
Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is strongly encouraged globally by the vast majority of health authorities, including
Health Canada, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, the American Heart Association and the National Institute for
Health and Clinical Excellence. Numerous human clinical trials have demonstrated the benefit of EPA, DPA and DHA
intake on cardiovascular health outcomes in both the primary and secondary prevention of disease. Dietary
supplementation with these long-chain fatty acids is safe and effective in improving cardiovascular health outcomes
above and beyond the benefits of routine therapy.
In patients who have no history or indication of cardiovascular disease, higher blood levels of these fatty acids are
highly protective against sudden cardiac death. The Harvard School of Public Health clearly defined this relationship
in 2002, published in the New England Journal of Medicine. This research group discovered that people with relatively
high blood levels of EPA, DPA and DHA were at an 80% reduced risk of sudden cardiac death compared to people with the
lowest blood levels of these fatty acids. This benefit is also seen in people who have suffered a heart attack and in
those with stable coronary heart disease.
The Omega Score™ is a simple way to measure whether current intake of omega-3 fatty acids through diet and/or
supplementation is sufficient to achieve scientifically established cut-off levels in the blood. This test does not
require fasting, and results are provided in an easy to understand report.
Anyone who wishes to know their risk for cardiovascular disease can benefit from the Omega Score™. For individuals
who have already suffered a heart attack or have a history of cardiovascular disease, the Omega Score™ is a simple
way to help increase protection against recurrent future events. If the test reveals inadequate blood levels of EPA, DPA
and DHA, the choice is simple—increased intake of dietary omega-3 fatty acids and compliant supplementation will increase
these blood levels, and progress toward optimal heart health may be tracked by having the test done again.
Measurement of these levels in the blood is critically important to ensure that dietary intake is sufficient to achieve
target levels. There is wide variation in how well individual people metabolize these fatty acids and incorporate them
into circulation and cell membranes. This is highly affected by background diet.
The Omega Score™ test is available globally. The Omega Score™ testing facility has full Health Canada approval
and is covered under some U.S. insurance plans and some Canadian employee benefit packages. The test has two CPT codes
for U.S. insurance eligibility. The level of coverage in both the U.S. and Canada is dependent on the extent of each
individual patient’s plan. European customers can order this test through our online store. For all other countries,
please contact Sales for ordering information.
The PLAC® Test
The PLAC® Test measures blood levels of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). This biomarker is specific
for vascular inflammation, and levels are not falsely elevated in situations of systemic inflammation (for example, in
rheumatoid arthritis). This is an important distinction from existing biomarkers of inflammation such as high-sensitivity
C-reactive protein.
Elevated levels of Lp-PLA2 are associated with a significantly increased risk for heart attack and stroke in both primary
and secondary populations (i.e., in people without history of cardiovascular disease and in those who have already
experienced adverse events).
It is known that arterial plaque rupture and not stenosis causes most heart attacks and death from cardiac causes. A key
feature of Lp-PLA2 is that levels of this enzyme are significantly and specifically increased in plaque that is prone to
rupture.
Measurement of Lp-PLA2 is recognized by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology Foundation
as helpful for the assessment of cardiovascular risk and primary prevention of stroke. What is more, it is the
only test that has been approved by the FDA for this purpose.
Routinely measured cardiac biomarkers, including LDL-cholesterol, have not proven to be reliable predictors of stroke.
The PLAC® Test addresses this important unmet clinical need in identifying patients who may benefit from more aggressive
treatment.
To view an informative webinar about Lp-PLA2 by Dr. Kenneth Colley, please visit the following link:
http://www.plactest.com/webinar/webinarplay.php.
The CardioMPO™ Test
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a protein which is involved in all stages of the atherosclerotic process. MPO is associated
with the initial dysfunction of the arteries typically associated with early stages of disease and blocks the formation
of nitric oxide, a chemical which facilitates healthy responses in the vasculature to many types of stress. This increases
strain on the vascular wall and promotes continued progression of disease. This protein accumulates in the artery wall,
and higher levels provide an indication of plaque that is vulnerable to rupture. It is also indicated in harmful
modification of both LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol, adding to a harmful story of inflammation.
MPO levels are significantly increased in actual culprit lesions of patients who have died suddenly from cardiac causes.
They are known to independently predict recurrent adverse cardiovascular events in patients who have suffered heart
attacks, and in those who have presented to emergency rooms with chest pain. This marker has been demonstrated to
be a powerful predictor when used with, or instead of, other routinely used inflammatory biomarkers such as high
sensitivity C-reactive protein.
MPO is a specific marker of inflammation and of vulnerable plaque,
erosions, and fissures, and is therefore not likely to be elevated in response to chronic infections or rheumatologic
disorders.
The CardioMPO™ Test helps to identify the risk of heart failure and future cardiovascular disease in apparently
healthy individuals.
ASA Effect™ Test
ASA, also known as acetylsalicylic acid or Aspirin, is frequently referred to as a ‘wonder drug’ because of its many
beneficial properties. It is estimated that over 4 million people in Canada take ASA every day to help prevent heart
attacks and stroke.
One of the most notable effects of ASA is that it makes blood platelets less sticky, which can prevent blood clots from
forming. If blood clots cannot form within the arteries, blood flows more freely and the risk of heart attack and
stroke is reduced.
In recent years, it has been demonstrated that approximately 25% of individuals who take ASA to help mitigate risk of
cardiovascular events do not actually respond to this therapy.
For most medications that are routinely administered for the prevention of adverse cardiovascular events, there are
associated blood tests which validate whether or not these medications are actually working. The ASA Effect™
Test takes away the mystery for this widely used drug and ensures that all patients are receiving the expected, proven
benefits of ASA.
The ASA Effect™ Test is a simple urine test which measures levels of 11-dehydro thromboxane B2 (11 dh TXB2), a
stable metabolite of thromboxane A2 – the powerful platelet agonist whose formation is inhibited by acetylsalicylic acid.
Compared to other commercially available tests which measure response to ASA therapy, the ASA Effect™ Test is the
only one which significantly correlates levels of resistance to high and intermediate risk patient groups, as assessed
by the Framingham risk score.
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