Question: I’m cured from Cushing’s, have normal cholesterol, triglycerides and have lost the Cushing’s weight. Is there anything other than this, like C reactive protein, that my doctor should measure to be sure that I’m not at high risk for cardiovascular issues? 

Answer: Response: Excellent question. Regarding cardiovascular risk, there are so many factors that contribute to this: lifestyle, diet, other medical disorders (diabetes, hypertension), and of course, “genetics” (family history and the genes that you have inherited). All can be modified except genetics.

As to how you should be followed, I recommend the usual measures for assessing cardiovascular risk (lipids, making sure diabetes and/or hypertension are well controlled), and C reactive protein is thought to be important by some cardiologists. It is particularly important to maintain normal body weight, have a regular exercise regimen, normal cholesterol and triglycerides and appropriate treatment for diabetes and hypertension. Regarding lifestyle, of course avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use.

By Dr. Mary Lee Vance, Univ. of Virginia, Charlottesville, Winter, 2014