Test result question

Needtoknow2 · 06-17-2007, 09:11 PM

Hi Everyone,

I'm a 43 yo female. Much to my surprise I just received blood tests back looking for thyroid problem or hormone issues and there is one result that scared the heck out of me

C-Reactive Protein, Cardiac 4.35 high (Average would be 1.00-3.00)
Is that dangerously high? Can it be corrected? If so, how? Or a better question would be how high would be considered immenent danger?

I have been suffering from severe edema in my legs, ankles, feet, behind my knees- gained 20 lbs this year- went from a size 2 to a size 8 which has had me freaked out and thinking thyroid.
I exercise 5 times paer week normally but the past few months I've been averaging 3 days per week. My cholesterol was good for the past couple of years now it is very high (another surprise to me)

My doctor definitely didn't take me seriously enough about the edema BUT I KNOW my body- it is not normal to sit in a chair for an hour and not be able to see my ankles from the swelling! I fly for business about 2x per month- the swelling from the flights is so bad I can't put my normal shoes on for 5 DAYS!
I have been traveling for years and I always swelled alittle but NOTHING like this!

My face is also puffy.

I wasn't thinking heart at all- now I'm concerned-

A local place where I just had a thyroid ultrasound done is offering free Cardiac Cat Scans for the month of June for people over 40- I'm going to try to schedule an appt.- would this be a good test to tell the health of my heart?

Based on these facts would you suggest I see a cardiologist?

THANKS for any advice!

Lenin · 06-18-2007, 08:43 AM

Needtoknow,

CrP is a measure of inflammation anywhere in the body, the hsCrP is used to precisely measure LOW levels of CRP.
A level of 4.35 is judges a risk factor for developing heart disease but not a serious or an immediate one. Just monitor ehwnever you have a physical. As an aside, inflammatory diseases usually show a CPR over 10 and even over 100.

The edema should be taken more seriously and the way to treat it is with simple diuretic treatment. Usually edema accompanies high blood pressure and the diuretic helps both.
Unless your BP is LOW, ask your doctor for an Rx for Lasix (furosemide) or hydrochlorothiazide.
If you've EVER had any high BP readings in his office he should be happy to comply with your wishes. If not, and he won't BELIEVE you have edema, then find another doctor. If someone is going to call us liars, then they shouldn't expect to remain in our employ.

Quote:

local place where I just had a thyroid ultrasound done is offering free Cardiac Cat Scans for the month of June for people over 40-

That is an incredible deal and you should do it. Know only, that this test is too highly prone to false positives so don;t get pancked if you show a high calcium score.
"Free"??? Hard to believe...I envy you...the usual fee is over $300.

Needtoknow2 · 06-20-2007, 10:04 PM

Lenin,

Thank you so much for your response! You really put me at ease over this. Yes, the Cardiac Cat Scan is fee and I scheduled myself for next week. Even my doctor said jump at it because insurance companies won't cover it and it's good to have done (even though he said he wouldn't have prescribed it based on my numbers).

I started on a diuretic today and Thyroid Armour yesterday. I didn't seem to feel or see any difference after one dose but maybe it takes time.

I always thought diuretics were dangerous- people use them to lose weight, right? Well, hey maybe that'll be another benefit!

The doctor was also not too concerned with the Cardiac protein test results- like you, he said if I was in immediate danger the numbers would be drastically higher.

Again, thank you!!!!!

Lenin · 06-21-2007, 09:18 AM

Wow, WESTWOOD, NJ.

I'm Hudson County next door and it is a short train ride to Westwood.

What Hospital/Clinic etc. is offering this wonderful freebie. I would LOVE to know my cardiac calcium score and I'll hop on the first appointment I can get.

Quote:

I always thought diuretics were dangerous- people use them to lose weight, right? Well, hey maybe that'll be another benefit!

People can manage to abuse ANY drug, but no, diuretics are the IDEAL treatment for edema and also the ideal treatment for anyone suffering from salt sensitive hypertension. Don't fear them if you are retaining water...they work fast and they work well.

Needtoknow2 · 06-23-2007, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lenin

Wow, WESTWOOD, NJ.

I'm Hudson County next door and it is a short train ride to Westwood.

What Hospital/Clinic etc. is offering this wonderful freebie. I would LOVE to know my cardiac calcium score and I'll hop on the first appointment I can get.

People can manage to abuse ANY drug, but no, diuretics are the IDEAL treatment for edema and also the ideal treatment for anyone suffering from salt sensitive hypertension. Don't fear them if you are retaining water...they work fast and they work well.

MRNJ in Nutley! Call quick 973-661-2000- it's free in June only for anyone over 40