Which test is most effective in indicating risk for heart disease and stroke?

High sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is particularly effective in indicating risk for heart disease and stroke as it measures low levels of C-reactive protein in the blood, which reflects low-grade systemic inflammation. Elevated levels of hs-CRP are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. This marker is recognized for its ability to assess the risk of heart disease beyond traditional risk factors, making it a valuable tool in a clinical setting.

Unlike standard CRP, which is useful for diagnosing acute inflammatory conditions, hs-CRP provides a more sensitive measure that can help identify individuals who may be at higher risk for chronic conditions like heart disease and stroke due to inflammation that might not be evident through other tests. Sodium levels and ESR do not specifically indicate cardiovascular risk; sodium relates more to fluid balance and blood pressure, while ESR is a general marker for inflammation but lacks specificity for cardiovascular events. Thus, hs-CRP stands out as the most relevant test in assessing cardiovascular risk.