(Ep. 140) Solo Episode - Medicine 3.0 and Receiving Some Surprising Lab Results

I grab the mic to discuss my latest lab test results and how I'm shocked that my ApoB came out much higher than anticipated. This is a protein that can be used to determine heart disease risk. I discuss the differences between Medicine 2.0 (attacking the issue after you have it) and Medicine 3.0 (preventing the issue before it occurs). Below are extra biomarkers that Dr. Peter Attia recommends we get tested.

Coronary calcium scan

A screening that looks for calcium deposits in the heart’s arteries—to determine risk for cardiovascular disease. This test involves a CT scan of your heart, which is then used to give you a calcium score. The higher your score, the more likely you are to develop heart disease. 

In addition to a standard annual blood test—which includes a basic metabolic panel and a complete blood count (CBC)—Attia also recommends five preventative tests:

Biomarker Tests:

Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)-P): Certain LPA gene expressions are linked to an increased risk for blood vessel diseases, stroke, and heart attack. You only need to get this test done once to uncover your genotype. 

APOE Gene: This one time test can determine your risk for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

ApoB: This test measures ApoB levels, the main protein found in the “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and can be used to determine heart disease risk.

OGTT with insulin measurements: This test has more sensitivity and specificity than a typical A1C glucose test when used to diagnose pre-diabetes.

ALT: This test can indicate fatty liver disease risk. When alanine transaminase (ALT)—an enzyme that is released when your liver is injured or damaged—levels are high, it may indicate that your liver isn’t functioning optimally.