Heart palpitations

About Cortisol
Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released when we are exposed to physical or mental stress. Cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands and helps you perform better physically and mentally in situations that the body perceives as acute stress. In the distant past, stress was a natural reaction to protect yourself from predators, whereas nowadays stress takes on a different form. Today, our stress comes from a modern setting, such as stress about paying the bills.
 
The stress we experience in today’s society often becomes chronic stress. This means high levels of cortisol building up in the body for long periods of time. This causes high levels of cortisol which is harmful and dangerous to the body, resulting in high blood pressure and high blood sugar which can cause type-2 diabetes.
 
However, too little cortisol in the body is not good either. If the cortisol levels become really low, the urine excretes large amounts of sodium, which can lead to life-threatening conditions. 
 
It is important to know if you are at a risk of being affected by any of these conditions. By taking GetTested’s Cortisol test, you can get an indication of your cortisol levels and take adequate measures to prevent cortisol disorders. 
The function of cortisol
Cortisol has a variety of functions in our body. In acute stressful situations, cortisol secretion helps you perform better, both physically and mentally. Cortisol is also important for the movement of the intestines and controls the body’s metabolism of sugar, fat and protein. With its anti-inflammatory effect, cortisol counteracts the function of the immune system, which makes us more susceptible to infections.
Your cortisol level is not always related to your stress level. Physical activity also increases cortisol secretion in the body, but unlike secretion during stress, cortisol instead reduces inflammation that occurs on the muscles. In the medical world, cortisol is best known for its anti-inflammatory and muscle-degrading effects in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, and this is then treated by adding cortisone.
Cortisol also controls the immune system and reduces swelling in allergies and insect bites. Therefore, Cortisol is a vital hormone for our wellbeing. 
Cortisol fluctuations 
Cortisol levels should be at the highest in the morning and lowest at night. The metabolism of fats, sugars and proteins is all controlled by the cortisol.  The amount of cortisol itself depends on what you do and how much stress you put on yourself. Stress can raise the cortisol levels, as well as being injured, having fever, infections or too high adrenaline. 
Symptoms of high cortisol:
In the long run, however, high levels are harmful to the body and with high levels of cortisol for a long time, fat burning decreases and impairs insulin sensitivity, which in the long run can lead to obesity and type-2 diabetes.

Fatigue
Low libido
Weight gain
Difficulty sleeping
High blood pressure
Poor immune function

Symptoms of low cortisol:
Low levels of cortisol can lead to menstrual disorders, muscle weakness and general mental illness, as well as cortisol inhibiting inflammation. In more rare and extreme cases, low cortisol can lead to adrenal insufficiency (also known as Addison’s disease). In such cases, the body does not make enough hormones. Diseases like Addison’s disease can cause life-threatening conditions and usually need to be medicated, but “Milder” conditions still cause a huge stress on the body and mind and should not be left untreated.
The most common symptoms of low cortisol are: 

Menstrual disorders
Fatigue
Muscle weakness
Low blood pressure
Loss of appetite
Nausea

Cortisol blood test vs cortisol saliva test
GetTested’s Cortisol Test measures your cortisol levels from your saliva instead of blood, making it a lot more convenient to use. For example, people with naturally cold hands may experience difficulty acquiring blood from pricking their finger, which makes a blood test not ideal. It is also more comfortable for people who are sensitive to blood and needles. 
Testing cortisol throughout the day
GetTested’s Cortisol Test measures bioavailable and free cortisol at seven points throughout the day, combining the first morning values into one, resulting in five reported values. Cortisol is released in response to physical or mental stress, enhancing physical and mental performance under short-term stress. However, consistently high cortisol levels can be harmful, while low levels can also pose health problems. This test is especially useful for those experiencing chronic stress, fatigue, or other stress-related symptoms.
For a comprehensive hormonal assessment, DHEA—another hormone affected by stress—is often measured alongside cortisol. Our DHEA Saliva Test can provide additional insights into your stress response and hormonal balance.

About Our Histamine Intolerance Test

Histamine intolerance can be elusive and difficult to pin down. Common symptoms such as headaches, stomach problems, and itching often resemble an allergic reaction, making it challenging to discern without specific testing. Our Histamine Intolerance Test, carried out in a UK-based ISO 13485 certified lab, provides answers by analysing your blood for DAO enzyme concentration. DAO, or Diamine oxidase, is vital for breaking down histamine in the body.

DAO and Histamine

Diamine oxidase (DAO) is a digestive enzyme responsible for breaking down excess histamine in the body. DAO deficiency, which can present when DAO enzyme activity is low, leads to alterations in histamine metabolism. [source] A deficiency in the DAO enzyme can lead to histamine intolerance.
 
Histamine plays a key role in regulating the body's sleep-wake cycle and cognitive function, but it is best known for triggering allergy symptoms. When the body encounters an allergen, it responds by trying to eliminate it. As histamines work to remove the allergen from the body or skin, symptoms like sneezing or itching may occur. While the body sends a surge of histamines to protect you, this overreaction is what leads to the uncomfortable allergy symptoms.

Understanding the Symptoms

Common symptoms include headache, migraine, dizziness, redness, itching, swelling, stomach and intestinal issues, cough, asthma, a runny nose, difficulty swallowing, changes in blood pressure and palpitations. Symptoms can vary from mild, like a recurring headache, to more severe reactions.
The effects of histamine on the body depend on which histamine receptors it binds to. There are four types of histamine receptors:

H1 receptors are found throughout the body and are responsible for common allergy symptoms such as itchy skin, nasal congestion, a runny nose, and sneezing.
H2 receptors are mainly located in the stomach and trigger symptoms like increased stomach acid production and headaches. The excess stomach acid is produced to help combat the perceived threat in the body.
H3 receptors are located in the central nervous system, where they help regulate the release of histamine and other neurotransmitters.
H4 receptors are involved in blood cell formation and are found in bone marrow and immature blood cells (hematopoietic cells).

Histamine Intolerance Treatment

To get rid of the symptoms, you must clear histamine from your body. There are several ways you can treat the symptoms:
H1 Antihistamines: These antihistamines will block the H1 receptors responsible for allergic symptoms caused by a pollen allergy or pet allergy. This will reduce symptoms. You can purchase H1 antihistamines as tablets, liquids, creams, and eye drops.
H2 Antihistamines: These antihistamines block the H2 receptors and by doing so help treat several digestive issues. 
Low histamine diet: Avoiding histamine-rich foods and drinks can help reduce symptoms. High-histamine foods are typically aged foods. Alcohol is also particularly high in histamine. Among low-histamine foods, you can find many fruits such as apples, mangoes, peaches, and blueberries, as well as vegetables like onions, broccoli, cucumbers, asparagus, and sweet potatoes. Fresh meat and fish are also recommended, but note that spoiled fish can accumulate high levels of histamine, so ensure the fish has been stored at safe temperatures.
Supplements: DAO supplements can also be beneficial. Studies have shown that vitamin C and vitamin B6 may help lower histamine levels. Consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any supplements.

Other Tests That May Be of Interest

Allergy Test: Measures both foods, pollen and pet dander. Can give similar reaction as histamine intolerance.
Food Intolerance Test: Understand your body’s reaction to more than 240 different foods.
Stress Hormone Test: Measure your body’s response to stress.
Nutrient Test: Find out if you’re getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Not Sure This Test is for You?

If you’re still uncertain whether this test is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable customer support team. We’re here to guide you towards the tests that best match your health concerns and objectives. You can contact us through our contact page or use our live chat for immediate assistance.

The DNA Cardiovascular Health test from GetTested provides a comprehensive insight into your cardiovascular health. By analyzing specific genes related to heart health, such as heart rate, heart rate variability, recovery after exertion, salt sensitivity, ApoB, TMAO, homocysteine, and LDL particle size, this test can offer valuable insights into your genetic predisposition for various heart-related conditions.
Lab Report and Recommendations
Once your results are ready, you will receive a detailed lab report from GetTested explaining your genetic insights and their significance for your cardiovascular health. The report also includes personalized recommendations to optimize your health based on your genetic results.
Sample and Integrity
The DNA and the original sample material are destroyed after analysis, and there is no personal connection to the sample other than your unique test ID to which your test results are linked. The information is completely anonymized, and the lab has no knowledge of whom it belongs to. We do not share or sell the results to any third party. You also have the option to delete your test results after reviewing them.
How It Works

Order the Test: Order your DNA Cardiovascular Health test online and have it delivered directly to your residence.
Collect Your Sample: Use the included test kit to easily collect a saliva sample at home.
Return the Sample: Send back your sample with the prepaid return envelope to our laboratory.
The Results: Within 6–8 weeks of receiving your sample, we analyze your genes and create a comprehensive response report.