What is the Best Lipid Marker to Predict the Risk of Heart Disease?

A recently published scientific paper shows that measuring cholesterol levels in the blood may not be an optimal tool to predict the risk of cardiovascular events (1). The study is especially important because our confidence in cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) in particular, has been pretty consistent for a very long time. The paper, published by Marston … Read more

Why and How To Lower Triglycerides in People at Risk of Heart Disease

Triglycerides are important organic compounds. Most of the fat we consume in our diet is triglyceride and so is most of the fat we store in our body. Fatty acids contained in triglycerides are an essential source of energy for human cells. Triglyceride concentration can be measured in blood and may provide valuable information about … Read more

VLDL – The Role of Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins and Remnant Cholesterol

Knowing the role of VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) and chylomicrons is a key factor in understanding how lipids (fats) and lipoproteins are involved in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In the current era of adiposity and metabolic disease, VLDL has gained a bigger role than before and may help explain many of the disorders associated with the obesity epidemic such … Read more

Niacin (Nicotinic Acid, Vitamin B3) – Who Should Take Niacin?

Niacin (nicotinic acid), also known as vitamin B3, is one of eight known B vitamins. It has been used for decades to lower cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk. However, today its use is somewhat debated. Meat and fish are the richest sources of nicotinic acid followed by fortified enriched grain, vegetables, and yeast. Tuna, salmon, chicken, turkey, … Read more

Angina Pectoris – What Is Angina and How Do We Deal With It?

The term angina pectoris or angina is used to describe chest pain or discomfort, often felt like pressure or a squeezing sensation in the chest. The pain may radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or the back region between the shoulder blades. Angina is not a disease. It is a symptom, usually caused by inadequate … Read more