Key Points:

• 'Outlive' by Peter Attia emphasizes crucial biomarkers for extending healthspan
• Traditional healthcare often overlooks testing for these key longevity indicators
• Proactively testing for these biomarkers can help you take control of your health journey

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Introducing Medicine 3.0

The groundbreaking book ‘Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity’, by Dr. Peter Attia presents a revolutionary approach to health and longevity. Attia advocates for a proactive, personalized approach to healthcare, one that is optimized by modern science and technology. He refers to this approach as "Medicine 3.0”. 

As a result of the book's success, many readers of ‘Outlive’ were inspired, eager to start extending their healthspan. So what is the next step for starting your medicine 3.0 journey? Central to Attia's approach is his emphasis on understanding and monitoring certain key biomarkers. These biomarkers provide you with a thorough understanding of the biggest risks residing in your body that can threaten your healthspan. Since his writing is heavy on technical terms and acronyms, we wanted to provide a comprehensive review of some of the key biomarkers that he mentioned:

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Biomarker Review

Heart Health Biomarkers:

• Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]: A type of lipoprotein associated with increased cardiovascular risk. High levels are largely genetic and don't respond significantly to lifestyle changes.
• Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-c]: A type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol through the bloodstream and is often referred to as "bad cholesterol". High levels of LDL-C can contribute to the buildup of plaque in artery walls, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• High-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c]: A type of lipoprotein often referred to as "good" cholesterol. It helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.
• Apolipoprotein B [ApoB]: A protein that is a unique component of many lipoproteins. It serves as a marker for cholesterol-carrying molecules that can lead to artery blockages, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Triglycerides: A type of fat in the blood that can contribute to arterial plaque buildup when elevated.‍
• Homocysteine: An amino acid made by the body under normal metabolism conditions. Its elevation is linked to cardiovascular disease.
• ‍Uric Acid: A waste product from broken down purines, a substance in certain food and drinks. High levels are associated with gout and may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.‍
• VO2 max: The maximum rate of oxygen consumption measured during incremental exercise. It's considered one of the best indicators of cardiovascular fitness and overall health. Higher VO2 max is associated with lower mortality risk and better endurance.

Metabolic Health Biomarkers:

• Glucose: A simple sugar that is processed in the liver and serves as the primary source of energy for the body. Higher glucose storage levels are affiliated with diabetes and metabolic health risk.
• Insulin: A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels. Elevated insulin levels can indicate insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders.
• Hemoglobin A1c: A reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. A useful metric for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.

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Does Canadian Healthcare Test for These Biomarkers?

Despite the importance of these biomarkers, traditional Canadian healthcare systems lack the resources to provide comprehensive testing. Although all provinces have slightly different services, most extensive bloodwork is not covered by the Canadian public healthcare system or private insurance plans. 

While the Canadian system is slowly moving towards more comprehensive testing, progress is slow. A 2023 report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information showed that while 72% of adults over 40 had their cholesterol levels checked in the past year, only 23% received more advanced cardiovascular risk assessments that included markers like ApoB and Lp(a).

While basic blood tests may be recommended by doctors, they typically focus on a limited set of markers. This means that many crucial biomarkers are left unchecked, potentially missing early signs of health issues that could be addressed proactively. Patients seeking more comprehensive testing need to either pay out-of-pocket or find a complementary healthcare provider.

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Start Your Medicine 3.0 Journey!

Are you ready to take the next step in your longevity journey? NiaHealth is one of the only Canadian companies that offers comprehensive testing of 40+ biomarkers including all of the ones mentioned above and many others, providing you with valuable insight into your body and health. By leveraging these insights, we provide you with a personalized dashboard recommending strategies tailored to your own lifestyle to optimize your health and extend your health span.

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Don't let crucial health information slip through the cracks of traditional healthcare. Test for these essential biomarkers with NIA Health and embark on your Medicine 3.0 journey today! Take control of your health and longevity – because your future self deserves nothing less.

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