| Web: | mayocliniclabs.com |
|---|---|
| Email: | mcl@mayo.edu |
| Telephone: | 800-533-1710 |
| International: | +1 855-379-3115 |
| Values are valid only on day of printing | |
| Web: | mayocliniclabs.com |
|---|---|
| Email: | mcl@mayo.edu |
| Telephone: | 800-533-1710 |
| International: | +1 855-379-3115 |
| Values are valid only on day of printing | |
Ceramides are lipids associated with atherosclerotic plaque formation, hypertension, insulin resistance, and obesity. Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ testing quantifies ceramides, providing an early indicator to help physicians predict heart disease in patients.
Ceramides Test menu
MI-Heart Ceramides, Plasma (Mayo ID: CERAM) is a blood test that quantifies plasma ceramides and estimates the risk for adverse cardiovascular events. Plasma ceramide concentrations are predictive of adverse cardiovascular events resulting from unstable atherosclerotic plaque. Ceramides are complex lipids that play a central role in cell membrane integrity, cellular stress response, inflammatory signaling, and apoptosis. Synthesis of ceramides from saturated fats and sphingosine occurs in all tissues. Metabolic dysfunction and dyslipidemia result in accumulation of ceramides in tissues not suited for lipid storage. Elevated concentrations of circulating ceramides are linked to a higher incidence of ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Three specific ceramides correlate with cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance: Cer16:0, Cer18:0, and Cer24:1. Individuals with elevated plasma ceramides are at higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events even after adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, and serum biomarkers such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Studies have demonstrated increased therapeutic benefit among patients with elevated plasma ceramides. Ceramide concentrations are reduced by current cardiovascular therapies including a healthy diet, increased exercise, statins, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors.
More information
Take control of your heart health
MI-Heart Ceramides, Plasma (Mayo ID: CERAM) has the potential to save your life. It is a blood test that measures the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and quantifies plasma ceramides, which are clinically shown to be biomarkers of unstable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
In short, it’s a better way to predict your risk of developing heart disease and your potential need for early intervention.
Key testing
Highlights
Jeff Meeusen, Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new MI-Heart Ceramides assay helps guide the management of patients with mildly to moderately high cholesterol. The test measures levels of lipids beyond cholesterol that boost cardiovascular risk.
Mayo Clinic Laboratories offers a ceremide test to advise patients and their clinicians of the potential risk of heart attack. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technology, the test renders an algorithmic score after sorting through molecular compounds of ceramides of cardiovascular interest. Ceramide testing can be used alongside traditional blood tests to investigate risk factors of coronary artery disease.
An avid runner and fitness buff, Mark Kocak didn’t think he needed medication for his high cholesterol and hypertension. After coming to Mayo Clinic for ceramide testing, Mark knew exercise alone would not be enough to him on a path toward greater longevity.
Her father was a heavy smoker who eventually needed bypass surgery for his clogged arteries, and three of her sisters died prematurely from heart attacks. So, as Stephanie Blendermann approached the age of 65, she had good reason to think her family history would catch up with her sooner or later. That is, until she came to Mayo Clinic for ceramide testing, which helped to change the trajectory of her life.