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PULS Cardiac Test™
Know your risk™ for heart disease.
What is heart disease?
When should my PULS Score be checked?
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the number one cause of death and
disability in both men and women.1 It is caused by a buildup of a
waxy substance called plaque inside the major blood vessels of the
heart. This plaque builds up over many years and may lead to the
narrowing of blood vessels which limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood
to the heart muscle. Plaque sometimes ruptures, forming a blood
clot that can completely block the flow of blood causing a heart
attack. If this blockage continues for too long, the oxygen starved
part of the heart might be permanently damaged. Most heart attacks
caused by blood clots come from soft plaque that breaks open
suddenly. This soft plaque may not have ever been large enough
to cause any noticeable symptoms. Consequently, there may be no
warning signs of a heart attack before it happens.
Your PULS Score should be checked if you have one or more risk
factors for coronary heart disease. This includes - but is not limited to
- a family history of early heart disease, a poor diet/lifestyle, elevated
LDL cholesterol, high blood sugar or diabetes, high blood pressure,
you are overweight or obese, or you are a smoker.
What is the PULS Cardiac Test?
The PULS Cardiac Test is a blood test designed to
help identify people who appear healthy but may
have active heart disease which could result in a
heart attack. This test detects the early stages
of heart disease by recognizing blood vessel
injury and unstable plaque formation, even
in patients who otherwise have no signs or
symptoms. The PULS Cardiac Test measures
protein markers in the blood that are linked to
unstable plaque to see if a heart attack may
be likely in the next five years.2
Why is the PULS Cardiac Test a
better assessment of my risk for heart
disease?
Traditional risk calculators rely on established risk factors to
predict your likelihood for developing heart disease. However, these
calculators may underestimate your risk.3,4 Sadly, half of severe heart
attacks occur in adults with no - or just one - risk factor.5 The PULS
Cardiac Test adds to these risk factors by also looking at markers of
unstable plaque.2 This empowers your physician with information to
better estimate your risk and manage your care.
What causes an elevated PULS score?
When a large blood vessel is injured, your body responds by having
the immune system work to repair the damage. Ongoing damage
to the blood vessel can keep the immune system working in a way
that leads to the unstable plaque that can cause a heart attack. The
PULS Cardiac Test measures protein biomarkers that are involved in
this damaging process.
Why should I check my PULS Score?
Having your PULS Score checked can help you find out if you may
be at a higher risk for a heart attack in the next five years.
How do I prepare for the PULS Cardiac Test?
The PULS Cardiac Test is a blood test. You do not need to fast for
this test.
What can I do to lower my PULS score?
Focus on reducing risk factors. You can do this by:
• Eating many different foods that are low in fat, sugar and
salt. Have fruits and vegetables at every meal and drink
more water instead of sweet drinks. This can help
improve blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol
levels and lead to weight loss.
•Staying physically active with regular
exercise will help control weight, lower blood
pressure, and LDL cholesterol levels. Avoid
sitting for more than one hour at a time.
•Taking medications your provider prescribes
to lower blood pressure, blood cholesterol,
and blood sugar levels.
It is important that you talk with your medical
provider to develop a plan that works for you.
References 1. CDC, NCHS. Underlying Cause of Death 1999-2013 on CDC
WONDER Online Database, released 2015. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files,
1999-2013, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the
Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed Feb. 3, 2015. 2. Cross DS et al. Coronary risk
assessment among intermediate risk patients using a clinical and biomarker based algorithm
developed and validated in two population cohorts. Curr Med Res Opin. 2012; 28: 1819-1830. 3.
Greenland P et al. Major risk factors as antecedents of fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease
events. JAMA. 2003; 290: 891-897. 4. Khot UN et al. Prevalence of conventional risk factors in
patients with coronary heart disease. JAMA. 2003; 290: 898-904. 5. Sachdeva A et al. Lipid levels
in patients hospitalized with coronary artery disease: an analysis of 136,905 hospitalizations in Get
With The Guidelines. Am Heart J. 2009; 157: 111-117.
RELATIVE RISK
PULS Cardiac Test (%)
<3.50 Normal
3.50-7.49 Borderline
≥7.50 Elevated
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