Common physiological factors associated with both osteoarthritis and heart disease include a sedentary lifestyle and obesity. What's more, researchers from Columbia University recently found that patients with moderately severe osteoarthritis run an increased risk of heart disease.1 This supports an earlier study that found significantly decreased cardiovascular fitness in patients with end-stage osteo-arthritis.2

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the metabolic dysfunctions that trigger heart disease, and C-reactive protein is a specific marker that gauges the effect of this systemic inflammation on the body. Recent evidence has found increased levels of C-reactive protein in patients with early knee osteoarthritis. Researchers noted that "high levels of C-reactive protein predict those whose disease will progress over 4 years, suggesting that low-grade inflammation may be a significant aspect of early osteoarthritis and may be amenable to therapeutic intervention and secondary prevention."3

Another study examined over 650 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, and found that "CRP was significantly associated with functional disability, joint tenderness, pain, fatigue, global severity and depression."4
High levels of C-reactive protein can also be triggered by previous infection with pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori or Chlamydia pneumoniae.

To reduct inflammation Oxi Cell can be rubbed on top of inflammed areas. To reduct CRP and elivated homocysteine I have used Folo Pro.

to test if you have Helicobacter pylori or Chlamydia pneumoniae. You can take The Laboratory Test for Helicobacter pylori.

The Comprehensive Cardiovascular Assessment measures the most advanced independent biomarkers for heart disease, including C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and Lp(a), along with all the classic lipids, two computed ratios, and an overall cardiac index.

References
1 Philbin EF, Ries MD, Groff GD, Sheesley KA, French TS, Pearson TA. Osteoarthritis as a determinant of an adverse coronary heart disease risk profile. J Cardiovasc Risk 1996;3(6):529-33.

2 Philbin EF, Groff GD, Ries MD, Miller TE. Cardiovascular fitness and health in patients with end-stage osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum 1995;38(6):799-805.

3 Spector TD, Hart DJ, Nandra D, Doyle DV, Mackillop N, Gallimore JR, Pepys MB. Low-level increases in serum C-reactive protein are present in early osteoarthritis of the knee and predict progressive disease. Arthritis Rheum 1997;40(4):723-7.

4 Wolfe F. The C-reactive protein but not erythrocyte sedimentation rate is associated with clinical severity in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. J Rheumatol 1997;24(8):1486-8.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 or local 818 707-3126.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L.Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.