Diagnostic Test for Cardio Vascular Disease

Why is LDL-cholesterol subfractions important as a risk indicator for coronary arterial disease and other lifestyle diseases – Cardio Vascular Disease?

Every day in South Africa, approximately 80 people die of myocardial infraction or heart failure, while another 60 die due to stroke. The statistics reflect a lack of prevention, early detection and effective management of cardiovascular risk factors. Determining the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CAD has to date included the measurement of a patient’s triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol.

More than 75% of patients with an acute coronary syndrome or myocardial infraction have normal blood values of cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol. There are also some individuals with elevated LDL-cholesterol that do not develop heart disease. Patients and their physicians may not know their true risk of having a heart attack simply by measuring ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol, thus delaying appropriate preventative action because of this serious lack of information.

A personalised diagnostic test was developed which provides us with advanced and comprehensive lipoprotein analysis used for screening that is more specific and treatment decisions as well as for monitoring patients at increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD).

This new test (LipidPro LDL) analyses VLDL, seven LDL-cholesterol subfractions and HDL in an individual’s blood. The detailed analysis help with identifying individuals requiring dietary or medical therapy and lifestyle changes, the success of which can be measured through retesting after a period of therapy.

All patients with elevated cholesterol and /or heart disease in their families should have a Cardio Vascular Disease  test.   Do you have heart disease in your family, is your cholesterol elevated or are you currently on statin therapy?  If you answer is YES – then get tested.