Your Cholesterol Profile - In Depth (cont.)
Who should undergo standard lipid profile testing?
It is recommended that every adult over 20 should have lipid panel tests
(total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels)
every 5 years if LDL cholesterol is less than 130, and every 1-3 years if LDL
cholesterol is borderline (between 130 and 160). This is particularly important
for those with a family history of coronary artery disease. Once these
cholesterol figures are known, the chance of developing heart disease can be
determined in combination with other risk factors that play a role in its
development.
Who should undergo testing for LDL cholesterol particle size and Lp(a)
cholesterol levels?
The scientific analysis for the determination of LDL size and Lp(a) is
relatively new and is not standardized from laboratory to laboratory. Thus,
results will vary to some degree between different laboratories. Also, because
the use of any specific laboratory test is not widespread, the cost of testing
remains expensive.
Because of the cost and variability of testing, a determination of these
cholesterol components is not necessary for everyone. Currently, persons who
have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease whose risk factor profile would
not otherwise predict coronary artery disease at the age at which it occurred,
should be tested for these more specific cholesterol components. For example, if
heart disease occurs at a young age without high LDL levels, high blood
pressure, diabetes, or cigarette smoking, the physician and patient may consider
testing for another risk factor such as small LDL particle size or elevated Lp(a).
Among persons without coronary heart disease, those with a family history of
heart disease occurring early in life should be tested for these risk factors,
which are predominantly determined by genetic inheritance. As the cost and
accuracy of testing improves, the evaluation of these components should become
more widespread.
Last Editorial Review: 4/13/2005
- Statins - Read about statins, cholesterol lowering medications like Levacor, Zocor, Pravachol, Lipitor, Crestor, and more. Side effects, drug interactions, and patient information is also provided.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - Read about the Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) procedure used to reflect underlying heart conditions such as agnina, occurance of a prior heart attack or of an evolving heart attack, and more.
- Heart Attack - Overview on heart attack (myocardial infarction) and heart attack symptoms including jaw pain, headache, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, sweating, and more.
Latest Medical News
Cholesterol RSS