|
How easy is the CardioChek system to use? |
|
Very easy! All it takes is a small, fingerstick blood sample (similar
to a pin prick). Using the easy-to-follow menu-operation, you get your numbers
in about a minute. The CardioChek even stores/reviews up to 400 results
in memory. |
| back to top |
| |
|
Who is qualified to use the system? |
|
Anyone! It has been cleared in accordance with U.S. government regulations
for over-the-counter use by consumers at home! |
| back to top |
| |
|
Why do people need to monitor cholesterol and other lipids? |
|
High lipid levels are a major risk factor for coronary artery disease.
Coronary artery disease affects over 12 million Americans, and is the leading
cause of death in the US for both men and women. One in five American men
ages 30-34 may have an advanced case of clogged arteries, significantly
increasing their risk of a heart attack in the next 10 to 15 years.
Many people who die of heart disease have no chest pain or any other warning
signs. Fortunately, research has suggested that the ninety-seven million
Americans who have elevated cholesterol levels can lower their heart disease
risk by lowering their cholesterol.
Among middle-aged men with high cholesterol, studies have shown that lowering cholesterol leads to a lower incidence
of coronary artery disease. In addition, a 1 percent reduction in cholesterol
levels offers a 2 percent reduction in risk of heart attack. Given the fact
that elevated cholesterol levels are a treatable risk factor to lower the
risk of CAD and/or MI, early detection, interventions when appropriate and
continual monitoring are necessary for all individuals.
Sources: Journal of the American Medical Association, American Heart Association |
| back to top |
| |
|
Why it's important you get the whole picture - not just part of it. |
|
Knowing your total cholesterol level is a good start to a healthier heart.
But total cholesterol is just one factor in determining your risk for coronary
heart disease (CHD). In fact, new treatment guidelines require more information
for a better assessment of your risk for getting CHD. So it's important
to test for different types of fats (lipids) in the blood, not just the
total cholesterol level, in order to get a more complete picture of your
total heart health. |
| back to top |
| |
|
What is a lipid panel test and why should you have one? |
|
Lipid panel testing is the medical term used to describe the range of
different lipids that should be tested. These lipids include total cholesterol,
LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. All these lipids can
be determined simply from a small blood sample. In fact, the latest National
Cholesterol Education Program Guidelines for Detection, Evaluation and Treatment
of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults lists lipid panel testing as the preferred
initial test for detecting coronary heart disease, rather than just screening
for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol alone. |
| back to top |
| |
|
Know your numbers. Know your risk. |
|
1. Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an essential building block used for forming cells throughout
your body. The presence of cholesterol is necessary for the body to synthesize
certain hormones that regulate some of your organs, and for making bile
acids that help to dissolve the foods you eat. Cholesterol and other types
of fats (e.g., triglycerides) circulate in your bloodstream in "packages"
called "lipoproteins". The major ones are low-density lipoproteins
(LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Your total cholesterol level
represents the sum of your LDL cholesterol level, your HDL cholesterol level
and one-fifth of your triglyceride level.
2. LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is usually known as "bad" cholesterol. The reason
it is "bad" is because it tends to stick to the walls of the
blood vessels, including those that feed your heart and brain. This leads
to the plaque build-up that can clog your arteries. A rupture or erosion
of this plaque can trigger a chain of events that could result in a heart
attack, stroke or other cardiac event.
Since LDL cholesterol is the primary "bad guy" associated with
lipoprotein plaque build-up, it becomes a primary target for a lipid-lowering
lifestyle.
3. HDL Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol is usually known as "good" cholesterol. Its
role is to carry excess cholesterol to your liver for disposal. Unlike
LDL cholesterol, it is good to have high levels of HDL cholesterol in
your blood because it helps dispose of excess cholesterol. Studies have
shown that low levels of HDL in your bloodstream put you at a higher risk
for coronary heart disease. You should aim for an HDL level of greater
than 60 mg/dl to reduce your risk for coronary heart disease.
4. Triglycerides
Like cholesterol, triglycerides are types of lipids that are critical
to healthy functioning when present in normal amounts. After you eat a
meal, your triglyceride level rises. Your body breaks down the triglycerides
into fatty acids and sugar, which can be used for energy. If there are
more triglycerides than the body needs immediately, then they are stored
in the body for future use. However, if your triglycerides are elevated
to a level greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl, you may be at risk for
coronary heart disease and may need treatment for risk reduction.
|
| back to top |
| |
|
Three Good Reasons Why You Should Test. |
|
Knowing your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and
triglyceride numbers (your lipid panel numbers) can help you assess your
own risk for developing coronary heart disease.
With knowledge about your own lipid panel numbers, you can be prepared to
discuss with your doctor what steps you should take to reduce your risk
factors.
Addressing these risk factors could decrease your potential for developing
coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
|
| back to top |
