Diagnostic Blood Test:

• Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA)
• Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA)

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a naturally occurring by-product of protein methylation. ADMA reduces your body's ability to produce nitric oxide, a molecure that helps maintain a healthy endothelium. Hence, elevations in ADMA may increase risk of cardiovsacular disease, erectile dysfunction and kidney disease. Moreover, elevations in ADMA are significantly associated with atherosclerosis. ADMA levels become elevated in the presence of high LDL cholesterol and homocysteine.

Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is an isomer of ADMA (Asymmetric dimethylarginine) and a valuable marker of kidney function. Elevations in SDMA may indicate kidney damage.