Preventive Cardiology is undergoing a revolution, with advanced biomarkers and imaging techniques offering unparalleled insights into cardiovascular risk. Traditional risk factors like cholesterol and blood pressure remain important. Still, cutting-edge tools such as Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), Lipoprotein Associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT), Coronary Calcium Score (CAC), and Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) with Cleerly enable more precise risk assessment and targeted preventive strategies. • Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) • Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] • High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) • Myeloperoxidase (MPO) • Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) • Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) • Coronary Calcium Score (CAC) • Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) with Cleerly Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography provides detailed visualization of the coronary arteries, enabling precise assessment of plaque burden and morphology. Cleerly, an AI-powered software, analyzes CCTA images to quantify and characterize plaque type, offering personalized risk assessment. The integration of advanced testing in preventive cardiology offers a robust risk assessment framework, enabling early identification of high-risk individuals and precise intervention. By leveraging the power of these biomarkers and imaging techniques, we can tailor preventive strategies, potentially leading to a significant reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Schedule your free health consultation to see which tests are best for you. Are you looking for a preventive cardiologist? Look no further! I’m Dr. Tracy Paeschke, a double board-certified cardiologist. Schedule a free consultation to see how I can help you. Reach out to us with your questions via our contact form. We do our best to reply within 3 business days. Yes, a monthly membership option is available for ongoing care. The membership allows me to work closely with you to modify your cardiac risk factors. Today’s technology makes it easy to see a telemedicine cardiologist. We use a state-of-the-art video platform and digital technology to provide you with the same high-quality care you would receive in an in-person visit. We follow a direct specialty care model, so the relationship is between the doctor and the patient, and no insurance is involved. Often patients find that they save money paying the doctor directly without copays or deductibles. Reach out to us with your questions via our contact form. We do our best to reply within 3 business days. Dr Paeschke is wonderful! Having had a heart attack two years ago, it’s an amazing relief to have an ongoing relationship with a cardiologist who is responsive, patient and super knowledgeable.My prior cardiologist was the one who happened to be attending at the hospital. Perfectly competent but impossible to get any meaningful attention.It’s the opposite with Dr Paeschke and the way she’s set-up her practice. I feel very fortunate!Introduction
Lab Tests
Apolipoprotein B is a protein component of atherogenic lipoproteins like LDL, VLDL, and IDL. Research has shown that measuring ApoB offers superior predictive value for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) compared to traditional LDL cholesterol measurements. Elevated ApoB levels indicate a higher number of atherogenic particles, thus reflecting a more accurate cardiovascular risk profile.
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a low-density lipoprotein with an attached apolipoprotein(a) molecule. It’s primarily determined by genetics and independently predicts cardiovascular risk. Elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with premature atherosclerosis, aortic stenosis, and coronary artery disease (CAD).
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein is a systemic inflammatory marker that reflects underlying inflammation and its role in atherosclerosis. Elevated hs-CRP identifies individuals at higher risk for cardiovascular events and guides anti-inflammatory therapy considerations.
Myeloperoxidase is a white blood cell-derived inflammatory enzyme that measures disease activity from the luminal aspect of the arterial wall. When the artery wall is damaged or inflamed, MPO is released. MPO mediates the vascular inflammation that starts plaque formation. Elevated MPO levels indicate vascular inflammation and help identify patients at high risk for cardiovascular events.
Lp-PLA2 is an enzyme that breaks down oxidized LDL in the vessel walls. Elevated Lp-PLA2 levels have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events.Imaging Tests
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness measures the thickness of the inner layers of the carotid artery via ultrasound. Increased CIMT reflects subclinical atherosclerosis and correlates with an increased risk of future cardiovascular events.
Coronary Calcium Scoring uses computed tomography to measure the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. CAC scoring provides direct evidence of atherosclerosis and helps refine risk stratification beyond traditional factors.Conclusion
Asked Questions
David, Nevada
I highly recommend Dr Tracy for all your cardiac issues. I found it very easy to get an appointment, no months long wait, both initially and for important follow up visits -which are enhanced through calls or on-line chats with her. It’s important to me that I communicate directly with my doctor, especially given the breadth and complexity of the issues that we discuss and this is always the case. While Dr Tracy’s focus is on prevention using the latest technology/devices/testing, my needs are immediate and I feel very confident they are met and we have the best plan going forward to address them.Mark, Colorado
Dr. Paeschke is an excellent cardiologist. She is thorough and takes time with me as a patient. The appointment is not rushed and I feel very valued and cared for. I really like that she is close to me in Monument as well. I highly recommend Dr. Paeschke to anyone looking for a preventative cardiologist.Sharon, Colorado
I have always appreciated Dr. Paeschke’s wisdom, care, and knowledge, ever since being referred to her in 2007. Since, I have found that her Heart Health Prevention and Wellness has helped me become my own advocate in all areas of health in my life provide for a defined lifestyle change. Thank you! Dr. TracyAbe, Colorado
Are you looking for a preventive cardiologist? Look no further!
I’m Dr. Tracy Paeschke, a double board-certified cardiologist. Schedule a free consultation to see how I can help you.
Asked Questions
Reach out to us with your questions via our contact form. We do our best to reply within 3 business days.
Yes, a monthly membership option is available for ongoing care.
The membership allows me to work closely with you to modify your cardiac risk factors.
Today’s technology makes it easy to see a telemedicine cardiologist.
We use a state-of-the-art video platform and digital technology to provide you with the same high-quality care you would receive in an in-person visit.
We follow a direct specialty care model, so the relationship is between the doctor and the patient, and no insurance is involved.
Often patients find that they save money paying the doctor directly without copays or deductibles.
Reach out to us with your questions via our contact form. We do our best to reply within 3 business days.
Dr Paeschke is wonderful! Having had a heart attack two years ago, it’s an amazing relief to have an ongoing relationship with a cardiologist who is responsive, patient and super knowledgeable.My prior cardiologist was the one who happened to be attending at the hospital. Perfectly competent but impossible to get any meaningful attention.It’s the opposite with Dr Paeschke and the way she’s set-up her practice. I feel very fortunate!
David, Nevada
I highly recommend Dr Tracy for all your cardiac issues. I found it very easy to get an appointment, no months long wait, both initially and for important follow up visits -which are enhanced through calls or on-line chats with her. It’s important to me that I communicate directly with my doctor, especially given the breadth and complexity of the issues that we discuss and this is always the case. While Dr Tracy’s focus is on prevention using the latest technology/devices/testing, my needs are immediate and I feel very confident they are met and we have the best plan going forward to address them.
Mark, Colorado
Dr. Paeschke is an excellent cardiologist. She is thorough and takes time with me as a patient. The appointment is not rushed and I feel very valued and cared for. I really like that she is close to me in Monument as well. I highly recommend Dr. Paeschke to anyone looking for a preventative cardiologist.
Sharon, Colorado
I have always appreciated Dr. Paeschke’s wisdom, care, and knowledge, ever since being referred to her in 2007. Since, I have found that her Heart Health Prevention and Wellness has helped me become my own advocate in all areas of health in my life provide for a defined lifestyle change. Thank you! Dr. Tracy
Abe, Colorado