Mayo Clinic Study on Plasma Ceramides Featured in Clinical Laboratory News

By Kelley Luedke • May 12, 2017

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Clinical Laboratory News recently highlighted a Mayo Clinic study that shows how plasma ceramides may predict cardiovascular events in patients with or without coronary artery disease.

According to the study’s first author, Jeff Meeusen, Ph.D., a clinical chemist and Co-Director of Cardiovascular Laboratory Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, the findings point to ceramides as a “potentially better marker than LDL-C in predicting first and repeat cardiac events.” Dr. Meeusen presented the findings in March at the American College of Cardiology’s 66th Annual Scientific Session.

The research team found higher versus lower ceramides risk scores associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, even in participants with no evidence of CAD by angiography and in those with low LDL-C levels.

“Measuring ceramides offers another piece of information to help identify individuals who might need a little more attention, guide treatment decisions, and keep patients motivated to [live heart healthier],” said Dr. Meeusen.

Kelley Luedke

Kelley Luedke is a Marketing Channel Manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. She is the principle editor and writer of Insights and leads social media and direct marketing strategy. Kelley has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2013. Outside of work, you can find Kelley running, traveling, playing with her kitty, and exploring new foods.