Cholesterol Screening

Many people with “normal” lipid test still have heart attacks and stroke. That means the routine cholesterol tests which limits its focus on ‘good and bad’ cholesterol are failing to identify the majority of people who are at risk for heart attacks and stroke, especially in populations with risk factors. Cardiovascular risk assessment have evolved beyond lipid values to include inflammation, lipoprotein subfractions, and apolipoproteins and genetic testing.

Make an appointment if you are interested in knowing more about these screenings.

Q & A

An evaluation would be based on a panel of specific tests of your blood sample. All of these tests help assess risk for vascular disease (heart attack, stroke, diabetes). A typical evaluation would include:

LDL, HDL, Apo A and HDL particle number. Apo B -and LDL particle number
Homocysteine
Vascular inflammatory markers such as Lp-PLA2 and Myeloperoxidase
Highly Sensitive CRP – measures inflammation
Fibrinogen – another measure of inflammation
NT-proBNP – measure of cardiac stress
Omega 3:6 fatty acids profile
Diabetes Tests
Genetic Tests: Apo E Genotype – identifies how people respond to dietary fat
Factor V Leiden & Prothrombin Mutation – identifies people who clot too easily, thereby increasing risk for heart attacks and stroke
MTHFR genotypes – a gene that is generating a lot of interest in heart disease prevention, but also in mental health and cancer research

Insurance usually covers most of the cost. Depending on your insurance, labs can often give you a good idea of possible out of pocket expenses, which are eligible for reimbursement by FSA/HSA plans.

Providers will review your results with you in detail and discuss options including lifestyle changes, medications, cardiac CT scan or cardiologist intervention depending on the result to prevent further progression of the condition.