Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast

These 3 Tests Reveal Your Real Heart Attack Risk

Dr. Michael Lenz MD Season 5 Episode 256

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0:00 | 11:48

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Three Blood Tests That Reveal Your True Heart Attack Risk: hsCRP, Lipoprotein(a), and ApoB

Dr. Michael Lenz argues the standard lipid panel can miss key drivers of atherosclerosis, explaining why some people with “normal” LDL still have heart attacks, and recommends three additional blood tests to better assess risk. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) measures inflammation, with higher levels indicating increased risk and supported by the JUPITER trial showing benefit of statins in people with normal LDL but elevated hsCRP. Lipoprotein(a) is a largely genetic, “extra dangerous” LDL-related particle linked causally to heart attacks, strokes, and aortic valve disease; a one-time adult test is recommended, especially with early family history, and high levels warrant aggressive control of other risk factors while targeted therapies are in trials. ApoB counts atherogenic particles and may predict risk better than LDL, particularly with insulin resistance or diabetes.

00:00 Hidden Heart Attack Risk
01:53 Inflammation Fire Alarm
03:06 hsCRP Risk Levels
04:21 Lipoprotein A Genetics
06:08 What to Do If High
06:59 ApoB Particle Count
08:27 ApoB Targets and Discordance
09:23 Putting the Three Together
10:17 Final Takeaways and Next Steps

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When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope.  If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 29+ years as an MD.


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