What Is It?
CERAM, or MI Heart Ceramides, P is a simple blood test that quantifies plasma ceramides. Plasma ceramide levels are predictive of risk for major adverse cardiovascular events within the next 1-5 years. Elevated levels of ceramides are associated with atherosclerotic plaque formation, myocardial infarction, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity.
Who Is It For?
Measuring ceramide levels through a MI Heart Ceramides test may be recommended for individuals with:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Abnormal ECG
- Angina
- Elevated body mass index (BMI)
- Hypertension
- History of smoking
- Increased blood cholesterol
- Family history of heart disease
Why Is It Important?
Heart disease is the second leading cause of death and a leading cause of hospitalization in Canada. Ceramide blood levels have been shown to be able to predict major adverse cardiac events even in people without the common indicators such as artery blockage and high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). It appears that evaluating ceramides in the blood may be a better indicator of heart health risk than more traditional tests. This information can aid physicians in identifying risk, and inform treatment decisions to keep patients healthier.
CALGARY - FUTURE SMILES DENTURE CLINIC (NORTH)
