NMR Blood Analysis: A Comprehensive Tool for Assessing Health Risks
Jim Otvos, a biophysical chemist, has developed a method using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to measure lipoprotein particles, providing insights into heart disease risk, insulin resistance, inflammation, and mortality risk. This method, which quantifies LDL particle number (LDL-P), offers a more detailed assessment of cardiovascular risk than standard cholesterol tests. NMR can also detect insulin resistance before blood sugar levels rise and measure chronic inflammation through GlycA. Despite its potential, NMR diagnostics are underutilized in clinical practice.