How healthy are my blood vessels / what is my vascular age?
For a first impression of your vascular health, an ApoB blood test is the simplest and most accessible step; a CAC scan adds the most value when your risk remains unclear after blood testing.
ApoB and a CAC score each measure a different aspect of your cardiovascular health, and together they provide a reasonably complete picture. ApoB counts the number of harmful lipid particles in your blood. This is comparable to LDL cholesterol, but more accurate when your triglycerides are elevated or your LDL value is borderline. It involves a standard blood draw, with virtually no risk, and you can request it from your GP as part of a lipid panel.
A CAC score goes one step further: through a CT scan, it shows how much calcified plaque is actually present in your coronary arteries. A higher score means more plaque and more risk. A score of zero offers some reassurance, but does not rule anything out completely, because the scan only detects calcified plaque, not the softer variety. The test is most useful when your risk has already been assessed as 'intermediate' and the result has a concrete influence on treatment decisions. When risk is already very low or very high, it adds little value.
In practical terms, ApoB is the logical first step: inexpensive, radiation-free, and informative for everyone. The CAC scan is a follow-up step if your cardiovascular risk remains unclear after blood testing. That decision is best discussed with your GP or cardiologist. Bear in mind that the scan does involve a small radiation dose and sometimes produces incidental findings that can lead to additional investigations: something worth knowing before you request it.
What does your vascular age tell you about your health?
A high vascular age on the measurement is a serious signal: your risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and premature death is considerably elevated. Discuss it with your doctor, as there are lifestyle and medication options to slow arterial stiffness.
Which foods or supplements keep your blood vessels healthy?
The Mediterranean diet most demonstrably lowers your risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Individual supplements do not help.
What does my blood pressure say about my long-term health?
A structurally high or strongly fluctuating blood pressure substantially increases your risk of stroke, heart attack and premature death. Small adjustments such as eating less salt and measuring regularly make a demonstrable difference.
Does my heart rate variability (HRV) tell me anything about my health?
A higher HRV is associated with better health and greater resilience. Slow breathing is the most accessible and best-supported way to work on this yourself.
What is a healthy cholesterol level and when should I be concerned?
A normal LDL value does not give a complete picture of your cardiovascular risk. Ask your doctor about your remnant cholesterol as well, especially if cardiovascular disease or Alzheimer's disease runs in your family.
Can clogged blood vessels be cleaned up again?
Early arterial hardening can partly be reversed, especially with strong LDL reduction using statins or newer medicines. The earlier you act, the more you can expect to gain, so discuss your cholesterol and blood pressure levels with your doctor.