We all need some cholesterol, but too much cholesterol can be a contributing factor to coronary artery disease.

Heart Screen’s....

• programs provide major opportunities to reach potential high-risk individuals and especially those not yet identified as being at risk.

• screenings can also raise awareness of high blood cholesterol as a risk factor for coronary heart disease.

Choose from several programs or combinations. [Which Cholesterol Test]

In general, blood tests that measure the lipids give a better picture than the total cholesterol levels alone. A number of studies have now suggested that reducing LDL and total cholesterol levels and boosting HDL levels have improved survival and prevented heart attacks in people with or without heart disease.

Our lipid panel* consists of:

• Total cholesterol. This is a sum of your blood's cholesterol content.

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The "good" cholesterol because it helps carry away LDL cholesterol, keeping arteries open and your blood running more freely.

• HDL Ratio. This test is simply a mathematical computation derived by taking total cholesterol and dividing by HDL.  This ratio provides a much better (and more accurate) measure for heart disease risk than a total cholesterol test.  This ratio is a good starting point for assessing heart disease. An average ratio would be about 4.5. Ideally we want to be better than average if we can. Thus the best ratio would be 2 or 3 or less than 4.

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This is sometimes called the "bad" cholesterol because too much of it in your blood causes the accumulation of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis), reducing blood flow and leading to heart disease.

• Triglycerides. These lipids help your body store fat and are usually found in fat tissue, with only low levels present in your blood.

• SCORE counseling

• Educational Materials

Prior to testing: It is suggested for the Lipid Panel that participant fast for 9-12 hours for a more accurate reading. (Needed for Triglycerides and calculated LDL). If fasting cannot be accommodated, then the TC, HDL, Ratio ONLY will be given.

1. Lipid Testing early morning (I.E. 8-10 A.M.) to accommodate fasting

2. Counseling 10-? (approx depending on volume) with balance of programs/health fair (i.e. Blood pressure, body fat, etc)

Limits of the test:

Lipid panel test results are only part of the picture of overall health. Smoking Cessation, nutrition, blood pressure, diabetes, BMI or body fat testing are recommended as part of your health fair to address other risk factors.

Measurement of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol as well as total cholesterol should be done. However, if HDL cholesterol measurements aren't requested at the time in the screening setting, measurement of total cholesterol levels still provides valuable information that can be used for managing cholesterol.

See: Privacy and Confidentiality