If the plaque's cap ruptures, a blood clot can form there, plugging the artery and perhaps triggering a heart attack or stroke. A blood test recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration to measure levels of CRP may make the most sense for people who have personal or family history of coronary disease but none of the usual risk factors. High levels can be caused by a number of factors, including kidney disease, a genetic defect, or a diet low in vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid. Observational studies have linked above-normal blood levels of uric acid with an increased risk of cardiovascular death. If it shows high uric acid in a person with only marginally high cholesterol or blood pressure, it might indicate the need for medication rather than just dietary or lifestyle changes.
Iron tends to accumulate in men and, to a lesser extent, postmenopausal women.
All adults, meanwhile, should have their blood pressure measured and cholesterol level checked on a regular basis. High levels are still the most important cardiovascular warning signs.