Why You Need to Go Beyond Cholesterol Numbers
Do you know your LDL or HDL numbers? What about your total cholesterol score?
The cholesterol scores you get from a standard lipid panel are important. They show your total blood cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides levels. Along with family history, age, smoking and high blood pressure, your scores help your doctor determine if you are at risk for heart disease.
But if you’re concerned about heart disease, they’re not enough. Half of all heart attacks occur in people with “normal” cholesterol levels. That means their LDL — bad cholesterol — levels were less than 100 mg/dl. That’s why MDVIP-affiliated doctors go beyond basic lipid panels when they conduct the MDVIP Wellness Program.
Studies have shown that testing for other markers such as inflammation can help identify 40 percent more people at risk for heart disease. And that when MDVIP-affiliated physicians know about these markers, they can help patients reduce them.
Here’s what you need to know about cholesterol levels and other risk factors for heart disease:
