Table 1.
Summary of Common Circulating Biomarkers for CVD Diagnosis
| Circulating Factor | Assay Advantages | Assay Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| BNP | High levels indicate heart damage. | High BNP level alone is not enough to diagnose a heart problem. |
| CRP | Increased levels indicate an inflammatory response to injury or infection. | Measuring CRP alone does not indicate risk for heart disease. |
| Fibronectin | Excess protein can result in clot formation, leading to a heart attack or stroke. | Currently, no direct treatments to lower fibrinogen levels; test is also not universally standardized. |
| Glucose | High blood glucose level is a risk factor for insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Untreated diabetes mellitus can lead to heart disease and stroke. | Timing of measurements is critical because levels can vary throughout the day (postprandial, fasting, circadian rhythm, am vs pm). |
| HDL | HDL assists in removing LDL cholesterol, keeping arteries open, and increased blood flow. | Timing of measurements is critical because levels can vary throughout the day (postprandial, fasting, circadian rhythm, am vs pm). |
| Lp (a) | Levels are genetically determined. High levels of Lp(a) may be a sign of increased risk of heart disease. | Research has not clarified risk levels. |
| LDL cholesterol | High blood levels cause accumulation of fatty deposits (plaques) in arteries (atherosclerosis), which reduces blood flow. Plaques can rupture and lead to major heart and vascular problems. | Timing of measurements is critical because levels can vary throughout the day (postprandial, fasting, circadian rhythm, am vs pm). |
| TC | High levels increase risk of heart disease. | |
| TGs | High levels indicate more calories are consumed than metabolically burned. High levels increase risk of heart disease. | Timing of measurements is critical because levels can vary throughout the day (postprandial, fasting, circadian rhythm, am vs pm). |
Common diagnostic biomarkers for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are listed. These biomarkers are circulating factors assayed from human blood. Advantages and disadvantages for each assay are concisely stated. BNP indicates B‐type natriuretic peptide; CRP, C‐reactive protein; HDL, High‐density lipoprotein; LDL, Low‐density lipoprotein; Lp (a), Lipoprotein (a); TC, Total Cholesterol; TGs, Triglycerides.