If you don’t mind pricking a finger, you can check your cholesterol without sitting around in a doctor’s waiting room or laboratory. Devices available in pharmacies or through the Internet make this easy to do at home. But is it worth doing?
The makers of home cholesterol tests rightly tout their products as faster than visiting a doctor. You prick your finger, gently squeeze a few drops of blood onto a test strip or into a small “well,” and you get the results in a few minutes, instead of waiting a few days.
But faster isn’t necessarily better. The results won’t give you the information you need to figure out your risk of having a heart attack or other cardiovascular problem. Nor will they help you check whether a diet and exercise program is working.
Foggy forecast
Home testing kits approved by the Food and Drug Administration should be as accurate as a laboratory. Under controlled conditions, they may well be. But at home, without expert guidance, they often aren’t. One problem is that people tend to squeeze or “milk” a finger to get blood onto the test strip or into the well. This can throw off the results.
Even when the reading is accurate, it may not be very useful. Kits such as CholesTrak, Home Access Instant Cholesterol Test, or First Check Home Cholesterol Test measure only total cholesterol. This is interesting information. But it’s not enough to assess your cardiovascular health.
Cholesterol is carried through the bloodstream by a mix of particles. The main ones are low-density lipoproteins (LDL, “bad” cholesterol) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL, “good” cholesterol). Triglycerides are another important fat-carrying particle. The levels of these particles are what really matter.
Take two women with “normal” total cholesterol levels of 195 mg/dL. One, whose LDL is 155 (that’s high) and HDL is 25 (that’s low), has an elevated risk for heart disease. Another, whose LDL is 105 and HDL is 75, has a much healthier profile.
Two in-home testing products can tell you your total cholesterol, HDL, and triglyceride levels (Cardio Check and Lifestream Personal Cholesterol Monitor). Unfortunately, it takes three separate jabs with a sharp lancet to do this, the tests don’t measure LDL, and they cost more than $100.
Leave it to the lab
Some home tests make perfect sense. Checking your blood pressure or blood sugar at home can give you an early warning that trouble’s brewing. If you take a blood-thinning drug such as warfarin (Coumadin), a kit that measures clotting time can alert you to the need to adjust your dosage.
Home cholesterol tests, in contrast, don’t offer any real advantages. They don’t provide accurate information about your cardiovascular risk. Nor do they tell you much about the impact of diet or exercise on your cholesterol.
Some home tests can also be very tricky to understand. They report cholesterol levels in terms of the current national guidelines. The targets and cut-offs in these guidelines vary, depending on other health conditions, and you may need a doctor to help you figure out which standards apply to you.
In general, you’re better off not checking your cholesterol at home. Let a lab give you the detailed information you need.
------------
HDL Cholesterol
Also known as: HDL, HDL-C, "good" cholesterol
Formal name: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol
Related tests: Cholesterol, LDL-C, Triglycerides, Lipid profile, Cardiac risk assessment
The Test
How is it used?
When is it ordered?
What does the test result mean?
Is there anything else I should know?
How is it used?
The test for HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) is used along with other lipid tests to screen for unhealthy levels of lipids and to determine your risk of developing heart disease.
Your HDL-C level may also be monitored by your doctor on a regular basis if previous test results have shown you to have an increased risk for heart disease or if you have had a heart attack or if you are undergoing treatment for high cholesterol levels.
When is it ordered?
HDL-C may be ordered as a follow up test to a high result on a cholesterol screening test. HDL-C is usually not ordered by itself but with other tests, including cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides as part of a lipid profile during a health check-up. It is recommended that all adults be tested at least once every five years.
HDL-C, as part of the lipid profile, may be ordered more frequently for those who have one or more risk factors for heart disease. Major risk factors include:
* Cigarette smoking
* Age (men 45 years or older or women 55 years or older)
* Hypertension (blood pressure of 140/90 or higher or taking high blood pressure medications)
* Family history of premature heart disease (heart disease in an immediate family member—male relative under age 55 or female relative under age 65)
* Pre-existing heart disease or already having had a heart attack
* Diabetes mellitus
For children and adolescents at low risk, lipid testing is usually not ordered routinely. However, screening with a lipid profile is recommended for children and youths who are at an increased risk of developing heart disease as adults. Some of the risk factors are similar to those in adults and include a family history of heart disease or health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or being overweight. High-risk children should have their first lipid profile (including HDL-C) between 2 and 10 years old, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Children younger than 2 years old are too young to be tested.
HDL-C levels may also be ordered at regular intervals to evaluate the success of lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise or smoking cessation aimed at increasing your level of HDL-C.
What does the test result mean?
High levels of HDL-C are better than low HDL-C. The higher your HDL-C, the lower your risk of developing heart disease. For adults:
* If HDL-C is less than 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) for men and less than 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) for women, there is an increased risk of heart disease.
* A more desirable level of HDL-C is between 40-50 mg/dL (1.0-1.3 mmol/L) for men and between 50-59 mg/dl (1.3-1.5 mmol/L) for women and is associated with average risk of heart disease.
* The healthiest level of HDL-C is 60 mg/dL (1.55 mmol/L) or higher and is associated with a less than average risk of heart disease.
The risk categories for children and adolescents are different than adults. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about your child’s results.
Some laboratories report a ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol. The ratio is obtained by dividing the total cholesterol by the HDL cholesterol. For example, if a person has a total cholesterol result of 200 mg/dL and an HDL cholesterol level of 50 mg/dL, the ratio would be stated as 4 (or 4:1). A desirable ratio is below 5 (5:1); the optimum ratio is 3.5 (3.5:1). The American Heart Association recommends that the absolute numbers for total blood cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels be used because they are more useful than the ratio in determining appropriate treatment for patients.
HDL should be interpreted in the context of the overall findings from the lipid profile and in consultation with your doctor.
Is there anything else I should know?
A complete lipid profile requires fasting for 9-12 hours. If the testing occurs when a person is not fasting, only the HDL-C and total cholesterol values may be used for risk assessment.
HDL cholesterol should be measured when a person is not ill. Cholesterol is temporarily low during acute illness, immediately following a heart attack, or during stress (like from surgery or an accident). You should wait at least six weeks after any illness to have cholesterol measured.
In women, HDL cholesterol may change during pregnancy. You should wait at least six weeks after your baby is born to have your HDL cholesterol measured.
--------
1. What treatments are recommended for low HDL-C levels? Low HDL-C is not usually a target for treatment with medication. While some drugs used to lower LDL-C can also raise HDL-C, these drugs are not typically prescribed based on HDL-C levels. Certain lifestyle changes, however, may be recommended to help increase your HDL-C level. Since smoking can decrease HDL-C levels, quitting smoking (if you are a smoker) is a good way to increase HDL-C. Exercise is another good way to increase HDL-C. Alcohol consumption in moderation (1 to 2 drinks per day) has been reported to increase HDL-C, but there is some controversy about whether this is beneficial. Most physicians do not recommend increasing alcohol intake to increase HDL-C cholesterol.
2. My HDL-C is high. Is this a problem? No. High HDL-C is very good—the higher the better.
Sterile rapid test for detecting whether your personal total cholesterol level is within normal limits.
Why is this test important? 2 out of 3 people in the UK have raised cholesterol levels. Everyone should regularly monitor their cholesterol level. A high cholesterol level is a risk factor for hardening arteries, stroke and cardiac arrest.
Cholesterol
Although not a disease in itself, high cholesterol levels can lead to cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease, angina, strokes, and mini strokes.
When coupled with high levels of triglycerides this can lead to coronary heart disease caused by a narrowing of the arteries due to fatty deposits building up on the interior walls of the arteries.
High blood cholesterol can be caused by:
Unhealthy diet especially foods like red meat, meat pies, sausage, hard cheese, cakes, biscuits, and cream products. All of which are high in saturated fats.
Lack of exercise, which can lead to a rise in the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and decreased levels of HDL (good cholesterol) in the body.
Obesity has much the same effects on cholesterol imbalance, and smoking and drinking excessive amounts (the recommended daily limits presently being 3-4 units per day for men and 2-3 units per day for women.
If you have a family history of heart disease or stroke or suffer with angina, leg pain during exercise or have thick yellow patches of skin around the eyes or elsewhere on the skin it is advisable to check your cholesterol levels.
What Is High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a lipid, a type of fat found in the body. Having high "bad" cholesterol means you have too much LDL in your blood. LDL is low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol.
Too much cholesterol in the blood, or high cholesterol, can be serious. People with high cholesterol are at risk of getting heart disease. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Only about 20% of cholesterol comes from the foods you eat. The other 80% is made by your body. Things such as age and family health history affect how much cholesterol your body makes.
Cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. Unfortunately, there are usually no signs that you have high cholesterol. But it can be detected with a blood test. These tests can also help your doctor predict what your risk for heart disease may be.
Total Cholesterol
Your blood test report will show your cholesterol levels in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). The total number is based on:
* LDL ("bad" cholesterol)
* HDL ("good" cholesterol)
* Triglyceride (a type of fat found in your blood) levels
Total Cholesterol Levels What It Means
Less than 200 mg/dL Desirable
200-239 mg/dL Borderline high risk for heart disease
240 mg/dL and above High risk for heart disease
Source: American Heart Association
The 2 Types of Cholesterol: LDL and HDL
Bad cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Too much LDL in your blood can clog arteries. This can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
LDL Cholesterol Levels What It Means
Source: American Heart Association
Less than 100 mg/dL Optimal
100-129 mg/dL Near optimal
130-159 mg/dL Borderline high
160-189 mg/dL High
190 mg/dL and above Very high
Good cholesterol: High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
High levels of HDL can help protect you from a heart attack or stroke. HDL carries cholesterol from the body's tissues to the liver. So, low levels of HDL can increase the risk of heart disease.
HDL Cholesterol Levels What It Means
Source: American Heart Association
Less than 40 mg/dL High risk for heart disease
40-59 mg/dL Less risk for heart disease
60 mg/dL Desirable
If you're worried about high cholesterol and heart disease, make an appointment to speak with your doctor. LIPITOR is clinically proven to lower bad cholesterol 39%-60%, when diet and exercise are not enough (average effect depending on dose).
Cholesterol Definitions:
Total cholesterol — the total amount carried in the blood, whether by HDL ("good" cholesterol), LDL ("bad" cholesterol), or another carrier
Triglyceride — a type of fat in the blood that increases after you eat food; high triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol — known as the "good cholesterol," HDL carries other cholesterol to the liver for removal from the body
Lipoprotein — a part of the blood that serves to carry cholesterol throughout the body. It is made of a fat molecule attached to a protein molecule. It appears in various forms, such as HDL ("good" cholesterol) and LDL ("bad" cholesterol)
Lipoprotein profile — a test that uses blood to measure your total cholesterol, HDL ("good" cholesterol), LDL ("bad" cholesterol), and triglyceride levels
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — known as the "bad cholesterol," LDL in high levels can deposit on the walls of the blood vessels and cause formation of plaques
------------------
Definitions:
A
Angina — chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-enriched blood. It may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest, or like indigestion. The pain may also occur in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back
Aorta disease — disorders associated with the aorta—the largest artery in your body
Arteries — blood vessels that carry oxygen-enriched blood from the heart to the body
Atherosclerosis — the buildup of cholesterol and other fat deposits, known as plaque, in the inner layer of an artery wall
B
Bile acid sequestrant — a type of cholesterol-lowering medication that binds with bile acids in the intestines and removes them in bowel movements
Blood pressure — the pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries
Blood vessel — a flexible tube in your body that carries blood throughout the body
C
Calories — units that measure the amount of energy the body is able to get from food; calories come from protein, carbohydrates, and fats
Cardiovascular disease — a disease of the heart or blood vessels
Cholesterol — a waxy, fat-like substance present in every cell in the body and in many foods
Coronary artery disease — a disease that occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed, often due to buildup of a material called plaque on their inner walls
D
Diabetes — a disease in which the body does not make or properly use insulin
E
Enzyme — a type of protein made by your body that acts as a catalyst
F
Fat — a type of nutrient found in foods that provides a source of energy
Fibric acid — a non-statin type of cholesterol-lowering drug
G
Genetic — of or relating to genetics or genes
H
Heart attack — a sudden loss of blood supply and oxygen to an area of heart muscle, usually due to a blockage in a coronary artery
Heart disease — an abnormal condition of the heart
Heart valve disease — a condition that occurs when one or more valves in the heart are not working properly and blood does not flow through the heart as it should
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol — known as the "good cholesterol," HDL carries other cholesterol to the liver for removal from the body
I
Immunosuppressives — drugs that suppress the immune system
Insulin — a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy
Irregular heart beats — any change from the normal sequence of electrical impulses in the heart
L
Lipoprotein — a part of the blood that serves to carry cholesterol throughout the body. It is made of a fat molecule attached to a protein molecule. It appears in various forms, such as HDL ("good" cholesterol) and LDL ("bad" cholesterol)
Lipoprotein profile — a test that uses blood to measure your total cholesterol, HDL ("good" cholesterol), LDL ("bad" cholesterol), and triglyceride levels
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — known as the "bad cholesterol," LDL in high levels can deposit on the walls of the blood vessels and cause formation of plaques
M
Menopause — a time marked by the end of menstruation in women, usually between the ages of 45 and 55
N
Nausea — a feeling of sickness in the stomach causing an urge to vomit
NCEP — National Cholesterol Education Program, a service of the US National Institutes of Health
National Institutes of Health (NIH) — one of the world's foremost medical research centers, founded by the US government
Nicotinic acid — a non-statin cholesterol-lowering medicine (the same substance as niacin or vitamin B1) that reduces total cholesterol, LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and triglyceride levels, and also raises HDL ("good" cholesterol) levels
O
Obesity — a state of being well over one's ideal body weight
P
Palpitations — irregular, usually rapid beating of the heart
Pericardial disease — an inflammation of the pericardium, a thin sac that surrounds the heart, which squeezes the heart and restricts its action
Peripheral vascular disease — a condition that occurs when a fatty material called plaque builds up on the inside walls of arteries, blood vessels that carry oxygen-enriched blood from the heart to the head, internal organs, and limbs
Plaque — a buildup of excess cholesterol on artery walls
R
Risk factor — a condition such as diabetes that can lead to a greater chance of developing a disease
S
Saturated fat — a type of fat found in animal products such as whole milk, eggs, and meats
Side effect — an unintended symptom or event that may occur as a result of taking medication
Starch — a naturally abundant nutrient commonly found in such foods as corn, wheat, and rice
Statin — a class or type of cholesterol-lowering medication that lowers LDL ("bad" cholesterol) levels and triglyceride levels and raises HDL ("good" cholesterol) by limiting the amount of cholesterol the body can make
Stroke — an acute neurologic injury where the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted
T
Total cholesterol — the total amount carried in the blood, whether by HDL ("good" cholesterol), LDL ("bad" cholesterol), or another carrier
Triglyceride — a type of fat in the blood that increases after you eat food; high triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease
U
Unsaturated fat — a type of fat that is usually liquid at refrigerator temperature; includes fats from nuts, seeds, fish, and vegetable oils
------------
Cholesterol FAQs
Q: What is cholesterol?
A: It's a waxy, fat-like substance that is present in every cell in your body. Some is needed for your body to function. Your liver produces enough of it for your body. Sometimes it produces too much. Certain foods provide additional cholesterol, which may be more than your body needs.
While some cholesterol in your blood is essential to your health, too much can be harmful. If your level is high, it increases your risk of heart disease.
Q: What is an appropriate total cholesterol level?
A: The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) says a desirable total cholesterol level is below 200 mg/dL.
Q: What is high cholesterol?
A: High cholesterol means you have too much LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol) in your blood. Too much cholesterol in the blood, or high cholesterol, can be serious. People with high cholesterol are at a higher risk of getting heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
The following are guidelines for total cholesterol from the American Heart Association:
Total Cholesterol Levels What It Means
Source: American Heart Association
Less than 200 mg/dL Low risk for heart disease
200-239 mg/dL Borderline high risk for heart disease
240 mg/dL and above High risk for heart disease
Q: Why is high cholesterol a health risk?
A: A healthy artery has a smooth, even surface. When too much cholesterol builds up in the wall of your arteries, thick deposits called plaque form.
Plaque buildup narrows the width of an artery. When this happens, your heart must work harder to force blood through it. Plaque can also break off and form clots. When this happens in a major artery supplying the heart or brain, the blood and oxygen flow can be significantly decreased. The result can be a heart attack or stroke.
Q: How common is high cholesterol?
A: One in 5 people has it. In adults, total levels of 240 mg/dL or above are high. Levels from 200 mg/dL to 239 mg/dL are borderline high.
Q: How is cholesterol measured?
A: It is measured as milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood (ie, mg/dL). Total cholesterol levels comprise LDL ("bad" cholesterol), HDL ("good" cholesterol), and triglyceride (a form of fat) levels.
Q: At what age should I start having my cholesterol checked?
A: That depends. Experts recommend that all adults over the age of 20 have their cholesterol levels measured at least once every 5 years. The American Heart Association recommends that you have your cholesterol checked more often if:
* Your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or more
* You are a man over 45 or a woman over 50
* Your HDL ("good" cholesterol) is less than 40 mg/dL
* You have other risk factors for heart disease and stroke
Q: Does menopause affect cholesterol levels?
A: Yes. Before menopause, women usually have total levels lower than those of men the same age. As women and men get older, their cholesterol levels rise until about 60 to 65 years of age.
In women, menopause often causes an increase in their LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and a decrease in their HDL ("good" cholesterol) levels. And after the age of 50, women often have higher total levels than men of the same age.
Q: How does smoking affect my risk of high cholesterol?
A: Smoking increases risk of heart disease. Smoking raises LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and speeds up atherosclerosis.
Q: Is diabetes a risk factor for high cholesterol?
A: Yes, diabetes is a risk factor. High triglycerides and low HDL ("good" cholesterol) levels are often present in people who have diabetes. These are risk factors for having heart disease.
Q: Can stress affect my cholesterol levels?
A: "Stress" refers to the condition resulting from a person's response to physical, chemical, emotional, or environmental factors. It can mean physical effort as well as mental tension. All people feel stress differently and react to it in different ways.
Stress may play a role in raising cholesterol by affecting an individual's habits. Some people deal with it by overeating or eating foods with high fat content or by smoking. Foods rich in saturated fat and cholesterol and smoking can contribute to high cholesterol.
Q: How often should I have my cholesterol checked?
A: Based on the results and your overall risk, your cholesterol should be checked every 1 to 5 years. You and your doctor should discuss a schedule based on your medical history.
Q: Where can I find more information about cholesterol?
A: The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has booklets for adults and children. To order publications on cholesterol, weight, and physical activity or request a catalog, visit their Web site or write to:
National Cholesterol Education Program
NHLBI Information Center
P.O. Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824-0105
Diet and Heart Health FAQs
Q: How can I make time to prepare and eat heart-healthy foods?
A: Prepare extra food each time you make a healthy meal and freeze single-serving portions. When you do not have the time to prepare a meal, get one of the prepared meals to eat. Bring a healthy snack or two with you to work. Plan to eat them when you have the most temptation.
Q: I have high cholesterol but I feel fine. Do I really need to follow a low-cholesterol diet?
A: Yes. Changes in diet should be your first step, along with exercise, in lowering cholesterol. Talk to your doctor about a healthy eating plan as well as an exercise program that is right for you.
Q: Is it OK to eat red meat if I want to lower my cholesterol?
A: Some lean red meat is fine. Lean cuts of red meat include round, chuck, sirloin, or loin. In order to lower cholesterol, the American Heart Association recommends eating no more than 6 ounces of meat, poultry, fish, or seafood each day.
Q: What are some healthy eating tips I can follow when dining out?
A: When eating away from home, plan ahead. Call the restaurant and ask about their healthy dishes (meals low in saturated fat and cholesterol). If a restaurant menu says "steamed," "poached," "roasted," "baked," or "broiled," the food is usually lower in fat. You can also ask that your food not be cooked in butter or saturated fat. Ask your waiter to bring sauces or dressings in a side dish.
Q: What can I do to cut back on cholesterol and fatty foods?
A: For about a week, write down everything you eat and drink. Also write the time you ate, where you ate, and what you were doing and thinking when you ate. By creating a diary, you will see patterns you may not have known existed, such as eating when you're feeling stressed or when you're bored. When you're aware of what's going on, it's much easier to change it.
Create a list of good friends you can call and talk to when you're hungry. Eventually, the overwhelming desire to eat something will pass. If you don't want to "bother" your friends, try sugarless gum or a time-consuming activity like a long walk or surfing the Internet.
Say YES to foods high in fiber (fruit, vegetables). Say NO to foods high in saturated fat (processed cakes, cookies, crackers).
Q: What types of exercise can I do if I don't have access to exercise equipment?
A: Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Create opportunities to walk more often. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park your car farther away from the mall in a parking lot. Get off a bus several stops early. Take your dog to the park for some fun exercise. Play a game of tag with your children or grandchildren. You can even exercise at home by doing chores and gardening.
Q: How can I fit exercise into my daily schedule?
A: Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Fit exercise into your daily routine by exercising before or after work. You can walk to and from work. You can take a walk for a break. You can walk to a colleague's desk or the water cooler.
Q: How can I follow an exercise program that can help me lower my cholesterol?
A: Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Regular exercise is an important part of a cholesterol-lowering plan. For many people, moderate exercise for 20 to 30 minutes most days of the week can help. Choose exercises that you enjoy. These will give you variety to keep you interested and motivated. If you can, exercise with a friend to keep each other motivated.
Exercise during the cooler times of the day. Try to avoid exercising in hot weather. Drink enough fluids.
Do not overexert yourself. If you feel pain, are breathless, or are sick to your stomach, you are pushing yourself too hard. Be aware of serious warnings such as dizziness or light-headedness, chest pain, or heart palpitations. If any of these occur, discontinue exercise and contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Easy to Use ... Accurate Results...in 4 easy steps:
1. Insert MEMo Chip and turn on the instrument.
Insert the test strip for measuring either glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, blood ketones or triglycerides.
2. Insert test strip into instrument.
This handy at-home test uses a a small blood sample for accurate, safe at home blood profile monitoring.
3. Apply blood sample using capillary blood collector.
CardioChek gives you precise results.
4. Read results.
With the CardioChek instrument and the PTS PANELS Test Strips, you now have an entire health management system in the palm of your hand. The CardioChek is a hand-held medical diagnostics system that monitors key health indicators, including total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, plus blood glucose and ketones - all in the comfort of your own home. The CardioChek blood testing device provides the tools for meeting cholesterol screening and diabetes management guidelines. Only PTS can provide this wide of a range of whole blood testing on a portable, easy to use system, with clinically accurate results.
The system includes a meter instrument as well as test strip. This easy-to-use blood test system displays the results of your blood test in about one minute, with accurate results every time. The CardioChek blood testing device features internal result storage for quick easy review. Unlike other systems that only test ONE specific health indicator - such as cholesterol or blood glucose, the CardioChek meter allows you to test a range of key health indicators. And, because of CardioChek's modular PTS PANELS technology, the device can never become obsolete; it is designed to run new tests as they are developed.
The CardioChek PA gives you additional professional features, such as the Lipid Panel, which allows one to perform several different blood tests simultaneously, with only one drop of blood.
PTS Panels Test Strip Measuring Range
Total Cholesterol
100-400 mg/dl
Lipid Panel
HDL Cholesterol
25-85 mg/dl
Total Cholesterol
100-400 mg/dl
Triglycerides
50-500 mg/dl
HDL Cholesterol
25-85 mg/dl
Glucose
20-600 mg/dl
Triglycerides
50-500 mg/dl
Ketone
2-70 mg/dl
Test all of these blood chemistries with just one instrument:
* Glucose
* Total Cholesterol
* HDL (good) Cholesterol
* Blood Ketone
* Triglycerides
The CardioChek PA medical diagnostic testing system can be classified as durable medical equipment (DME). Associated test strips can be classified as disposable medical equipment. In general, when CardioChek products are covered under major medical, they are considered DME. When covered under pharmacy benefits, they are considered as drugs or disposables.
Metabolic Chemistry Panel
Metabolic Syndrome Chemistry -- Brand New!
1. Estimated 47 million people with metabolic syndrome
2. One in six Americans are at risk
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Having just one of these conditions — increased blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, excess body fat around the waist or abnormal cholesterol levels — contributes to your risk of serious disease. In combination, your risk is even greater.
Introducing the Metabolic Chemistry Panel. This new test strip measures: HDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides and Glucose.
The American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend that the metabolic syndrome be identified as the presence of three or more of these components:
* Elevated waist circumference:
o Men — Equal to or greater than 40 inches (102 cm)
o Women — Equal to or greater than 35 inches (88 cm)
* Elevated triglycerides:
o Equal to or greater than 150 mg/dL
* Reduced HDL (“good”) cholesterol:
o Men — Less than 40 mg/dL
o Women — Less than 50 mg/dL
* Elevated blood pressure:
o Equal to or greater than 130/85 mm Hg
* Elevated fasting glucose:
o Equal to or greater than 100 mg/dL
DEVELOPMENT OF A METABOLIC SYNDROME PANEL TEST STRIP
The reason CardioChek decided to develop this product (Metabolic Syndrome Panel) was quite simple. They had a number of our customers asking: “Do you have a ‘Metabolic Syndrome Panel’ containing glucose, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides?” The most appropriate name was “Metabolic Syndrome Panel”.
There are a huge number of references for metabolic syndrome. Click here sampling of what CardioCheck found regarding Metabolic Syndrome.
I. Definitions of “Metabolic Syndrome Panel” published.
1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, National Cholesterol Education Program
National Cholesterol Education Program, High Blood Cholesterol, ATP III Guidelines At-A-Glance, Quick Desk Reference, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH Publication No. 01-3305, May 2001.
Clinical Identification of the Metabolic Syndrome - Any 3 of the Following:
Risk Factor
Defining Level
Abdominal obesity*
Men
Women
Waist circumference**
>102 cm (>40 in)
>88 cm (>35 in)
Triglycerides
greater than or equal to150 mg/dL
HDL cholesterol
Men
Women
<40 mg/dl
<50 mg/dl
blood pressure
greater than or equal to130/greater than or equal to85 mmHg
Fasting glucose
greater than or equal to110 mg/dL
2. World Health Organization
Avoiding heart attacks and strokes : don’t be a victim - protect yourself. World Health Organization. ISBN 92 4 154672 7 (NLM classification: WG 300), WHO Press, 2005, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland.
“When a person has central obesity (too much weight around the waist),
abnormal blood fat levels (e.g. high triglyceride level or low HDL cholesterol;
See section 11), high blood pressure and high blood sugar at the same time,
this is known as metabolic syndrome.”
3. International Diabetes Federation (IDF)
International Diabetes Federation, Avenue Emile De Mot 19B-1000 Brussels, Belgium, IDF, April 14 2005
The IDF consensus worldwide definition of the metabolic syndrome
Part 1: Worldwide definition for use in clinical practice
Table 1: The new International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition
According to the new IDF definition, for a person to be defined as having the metabolic syndrome they must have:
* Central obesity (defined as waist circumference > 94cm for Europid men and
> 80cm for Europid women, with ethnicity specific values for other groups)
plus any two of the following four factors:
* raised TG level: > 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L), or specific treatment for this
lipid abnormality
* reduced HDL cholesterol: < 40 mg/dL (1.03 mmol/L*) in males and < 50
mg/dL (1.29 mmol/L*) in females, or specific treatment for this lipid abnormality
* raised blood pressure: systolic BP 3 130 or diastolic BP 3 85 mm Hg, or
treatment of previously diagnosed hypertension
* raised fasting plasma glucose (FPG) > 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L), or previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes. If above 5.6 mmol/L or 100 mg/dL, OGTT is strongly recommended but is not necessary to define presence of the syndrome.
4. American Heart Association
American Heart Association, Circulation. 2005;112:3066-3072.
“The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been well defined in persons with the metabolic syndrome (at least 3 of the following: abdominal adiposity, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypertension, and impaired fasting glucose).”
5. American Medical Association
JAMA, the Metabolic Syndrome, Vol. 295 No. 7, February 15, 2006.
“Definition of the Metabolic Syndrome
* Abdominal (waist) circumference greater than 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women
* High blood pressure (hypertension)
* Hyperglycemia (fasting blood sugar more than 110 mg/dL)
* Elevated triglycerides (a type of fat in the bloodstream)
* Low levels of high-density lipoprotein, also known as HDL or ‘good cholesterol’ “
II. Use of the term “Metabolic Syndrome” in Medical Practice
1. Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation uses the National Cholesterol Education Program definition of metabolic syndrome.
See http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/women/metabolic.htm.
“The National Cholesterol Education Program has defined five elements of the syndrome:
* an “enlarged waist” – defined as waist measurement of at least 35.2” for women, 40” for men
* high blood pressure - 130/85 or higher
* low levels of good (HDL) cholesterol - less than 50 mg/dl for women and less than 40 mg/dl for men
* elevated levels of blood fats (triglycerides) - 150 mg/dl or more
* insulin resistance - blood glucose (sugar) level is higher than normal, or a fasting blood glucose of 110 mg/dl or more.
An individual with three or more of these five characteristics has the metabolic syndrome.”
2. The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D., Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic, © 2006 TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
Medical Edge Newspaper Column from Mayo Clinic:
METABOLIC SYNDROME: A PRECURSOR TO HEART DISEASE
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and
was told that it can affect my heart health as much as smoking two packs of
cigarettes a day can. What does metabolic syndrome have to do with heart
disease?
ANSWER: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions — high blood pressure,
excess fat around the waist (apple-shaped body), low levels of HDL cholesterol
(the “good” cholesterol), and high levels of blood sugar and the blood fat called
triglycerides — that occur together.
Cardiometabolic Program
The Cardiometabolic Program within the Cardiovascular Health Clinic at Mayo Clinic
in Rochester offers a unique, personalized treatment plan for people with metabolic
syndrome. Based on Mayo's highly successful cardiac rehabilitation program, we
combine diet and exercise prescriptions with a state-of-the-art facility, hands-on
experiences and a focus on behavioral change to maximize success.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a long-recognized medical condition, but has been defined only
recently. A person is diagnosed with the syndrome when he or she has three of these
five disorders affecting metabolism:
* High blood pressure
* High blood sugar
* High triglycerides
* Low HDL ('good') cholesterol
* Abdominal obesity
While any of these factors is unhealthy, the net effect of having at least three of these
disorders is even worse, dramatically increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease and
diabetes. In fact, metabolic syndrome carries the same cardiovascular risk as smoking
two packs of cigarettes a day. The good news is that intervention and treatment in a
comprehensive program can decrease cardiovascular risk and prevent the onset of
diabetes.
3. Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins Health Alerts, Special Report, Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome, 2007.
Special Report
Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome
Most people have never heard of metabolic syndrome, a common condition in which insulin resistance plays a key role.
For many years, physicians have recognized that elevated blood glucose levels, high blood pressure, obesity, and abnormal blood lipid levels tend to occur together in certain individuals. This cluster of symptoms—previously called “The Deadly Quartet,” syndrome X, or insulin resistance syndrome—is now commonly referred to as metabolic syndrome. Almost one in four American adults has metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
How Common Is Metabolic Syndrome?
In 2001, the National Cholesterol Education Program (sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) proposed the following criteria for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. A person needs to have at least three of the following five factors to be diagnosed with the condition:
1. abdominal obesity (a waist circumference greater than 40 inches in men or 35 inches in women)
2. triglyceride levels of 150 mg/dL or greater
3. high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels of less than 40 mg/dL in men or 50 mg/dL in women
4. blood pressures of 130/85 mm Hg or higher, or taking antihypertensive medication
5. fasting blood glucose levels of 110 mg/dL or greater
While only 7% of men and women age 20 to 29 meet this definition of metabolic syndrome, the percentage rises to more than 40% of those age 60 and older. Metabolic syndrome is more common in Mexican Americans (32%) than in whites (24%) or blacks (22%).
THE MonaVie STORY
Welcome to the WELLNESS REVOLUTION,
surging around the globe and fulfilling the 2000 prediction of famed
economist Paul Zane Pilzer:
"THE FORTUNES OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM
WILL BE CREATED IN THE WELLNESS INDUSTRY"
"In the same way that the invention of the motor car and the personal
computer radically changed our economy, the
next trillion dollar industry
is
being spawned RIGHT NOW through massive scientific breakthroughs in
biology and cellular biochemistry. As an ageing population increasingly
seeks to stay healthy and look good, the benefits will flow to
businesses that can effectively supply products and services that
deliver those answers.”
And welcome to the time and place that
can help YOU become part of this Revolution--to forever change
your life, your lifestyle and your health! Physically and financially,
MonaVie can take you to levels you might never have imagined possible.
Spiritually, MonaVie will take you on a journey more gratifying than any
before--the lives you touch will remain in your heart forever. And you
will have FUN and excitement along the way, building friendships with
some of the greatest people you will ever meet!
The big picture for YOU? MonaVie
is showing it has the potential to be one of the most significant and
most powerful wellness elixirs humanity has ever seen. It is truly in a
league of its own.
For EVERY PERSON willing to COMPARE actual results against any of the
proliferating Juices D'jour, we boldly declare the contest will be "No
Contest." Based upon many reports arriving from new Monavie users,
MonaVie is standing head and shoulders above other tonics in terms of
the swiftness and the
magnitude of benefits
delivered.
Now, on with the story that can change your future ...
SETTING THE STAGE
Only
the most distracted of observers could ignore the multitude of
"lifestyle" ailments besetting people in industrialized worlds today,
with America ranking high on the health calamity list.
As wonder drugs bring dangerous side effects, new drugs are created to
moderate new symptoms. Meanwhile, words from thousands of years ago are
echoing across oceans ...
"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food," said Hippocrates
(460 B.C. - 377 B.C), the Father of Medicine.
Perhaps the wry chronicle below shows more truth than jest!
2000
B.C. - Here, eat this root.
1000 A.D. - That
root is heathen. Here, say this prayer.
1850 A.D. - That
prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion.
1940
A.D. - That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill.
1985
A.D. - That pill is ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic.
2000
A.D. - That antibiotic is unhealthy. Here, eat this root.
~Author
unknown but saluted
Indeed, merely growing older
is a precursor to various and sundry health concerns. The alternative is
dying young, so perhaps we would be well advised to nourish, protect and
preserve our bodies and our health!
The tens of millions of Baby Boomers of the world are leading the quest
for safe and effective anti-aging
approaches ... demanding ways to maintain health and youthful
good looks, to solve current problems and to PREVENT failing health from
intruding on their lifestyles.
Thanks to the internet and a growing grass roots movement around the
world, millions are realizing that FOOD,
proper and wholesome food,
might truly be the best medicine of all for sustaining or restoring
health. Even the mainstream media has propelled this movement.
In late 2004, Dr. Nicholas Perricone appeared on The
Oprah
Winfrey show to promote his
book "The
Perricone Promise: Look Younger-Live Longer in Three Easy Steps"
in which he lists the Ten Super Foods to Rejuvenate the Body.
He rated the Acai Berry as #1,
calling it one of the most
nutritious and powerful foods in the world. It was the ONLY
fruit that made his list -- worthy of note in light of the flurry of
single-fruit health juices that have appeared in recent years.
Also in 2004, NBC Today's
Matt Lauer
hosted a road show from the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, reporting
that locals now call the legendary Acai Berry the
"Viagra of the Amazon."
The path taking us BACK to the
realization that
FOOD has much
to do with our health, has not come easily. Identified trends
of the past show a very slow march toward where we are today in the 21st
Century.
Pre-1970: Correcting malnutrition and infections
1970's: Decade of vitamins and minerals and cardiovascular disease.
1980's: Decade of anti-oxidants
1990's: Decade of herbs and genes.
2000's: Decade of
phytonutrients and inflammation.
THE MARKETPLACE
Powerful Factors Converging
Some
might call it being in the "zone." Others might say the stars are in
perfect alignment. The fact is,
three powerful factors are converging NOW, making this the
best possible time for YOU to join us as we begin sharing MonaVie with
the world.
1) Home-based businesses are THRIVING like never before. There is no
such thing as "job" security anymore. Corporations are downsizing,
capsizing and shipping jobs to third world countries. There is no better
way to gain control of your time, your life and your financial future
than going into business for
yourself. And
no better
business to choose than MonaVie, being declared by many to be
the biggest wellness breakthrough in decades!
2)
The Internet Revolution has
matured in efficiency and puts you on Main Street of the
world. Without leaving home or dressing for work, you can build a global
empire with MonaVie.
3)
The Wellness Revolution is
gaining more traction by the day, fueled by the
Boomers (10,000 per day
reaching the Big 50). From the cereal aisle to the butter bin at the
supermarket, manufacturers are rolling out
designer foods aimed at
specific health concerns. In OUR field of home-based network marketing
where nutritional supplements have always dominated,
Functional BEVERAGES have
become the fastest growing segment of the entire nutrition industry.
HITCHING YOUR WAGON
TO MONAVIE
Functional Beverages - MonaVie Reigns Supreme
The
trend toward functional beverages is gaining momentum and is now
unstoppable, yet the market has only been scratched. Health-seeking
consumers en masse are weary of swallowing handfuls of pills daily
(unsure if they're even being absorbed) and prefer the convenience plus
more assured absorption of liquid nutrition--if they taste good!
About TASTE: MonaVie's exotic, fruitful taste is garnering RAVE reviews.
Perhaps the ultimate taste testers are children ... and MonaVie Original
resoundingly passes the KID test!
From a WELLNESS perspective, nutrients in liquid form have historically
been reported to be much more bioavailable than those in tablet form.
(Stories abound of sanitation workers screening out mountainous
quantities of undigested PILLS from their systems!) And when compared to
the growing parade of "functional" juices being rushed to market to
capitalize on the exploding trend, countless people are reporting that
MonaVie excels in the MOST important measure of all: RESULTS.
About
Results: With most health products marketed today, the new-customer
mantra typically goes something like this ... "Now remember, you should
continue taking this product for (30-60-90) days or even longer before
expecting to see significant health benefits ... after all, your body
didn't get into this shape overnight."
About
MonaVie
Results: Suffice it to say that if you want to build a
business in network marketing and develop a long term residual income
with an organization of Distributors that remain with you forever and
Customers who become fervent, LIFETIME users of your product ...
you wouldn't want to be out there in
the marketplace competing against MonaVie!
Mother Nature and MonaVie - Taking Direct Aim
Since
the dawn of time, Mother Nature has graced the earth with an abundance
of fruits, and indigenous peoples of the world have long used them for
both food and medicine. Modern medicine and science have finally begun
identifying thousands of fruit nutrients, polyphenols, antioxidants and
other phytochemicals that make FRUITS such a powerhouse in the realm of
wellness.
The specific berries and grapes and other lush fruits selected for
MonaVie are rich in phyotonutrients; among them, flavonoids. Vitamin C
is also abundant in fruits, and the list goes on!
MonaVie begins with the
legendary acai berry from the Amazon Rainforest, the crown jewel of
the formula. Each of the 18 additional fruits was chosen for its
beneficial properties and contribution to the blend.
These fruits are: pomegranate, white grape, apple, acerola, pear, aronia,
purple grape, cranberry, passionfruit, banana, apricot, prune, kiwi,
blueberry, bilberry, camu camu, wolfberry and lychee.
MonaVie Active combines the delicious blend of MonaVie with
plant-derived glucosamine for healthy joint support and powerful
antioxidant protection.
SCIENCE, FRUITS AND TODAY'S DIET
According to the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, the
four most consumed plant foods (fruits or vegetables) in America are:
French fries, ketchup, pizza sauce and iceberg lettuce!
Is it any
wonder
that obesity has become an epidemic and that even children are now
afflicted with many of the "lifestyle" diseases once reserved for older
people?
Yes, we all know we should eat more fruits and vegetables. But
lives are busy. Quick meals are often a necessity. Fresh produce is
expensive in many locales. We tend to get bored with apples, bananas and
oranges. Parents don't have time to enforce healthy eating habits upon
their children.
Because of the powerful phytonutrients from the broad color spectrum of
body-beneficial fruits in MonaVie, here at last is a product that can
contribute to a healthy diet. The fact that it tastes delicious is
purely a bonus!
Set aside the slices of pepperoni for a moment, and look at a "Slice of
Life" as it relates to the American diet. Unfortunately, there are
parallels in other nations as well.
OUR EATING SCOREBOARD
The 2005 USDA Food Guide Pyramid has increased the
recommended servings of fruits to 2-4 daily and vegetables to 3-5 daily,
spearheading the change with their "5 a day" campaign and noting that
we
are particularly deficient in consumption of fruits.
Current food consumption estimates for Americans
* Only 10% eat even 5 daily servings of fruits and
vegetables.
* Average fruit consumption is only 1.4 servings daily.
* Only 17% eat 2-4 fruits daily.
* Only 12% have what could be called a "good" diet.
Faculty members in the Harvard School of Public Health feel the revised
government recommendations still fall short, are much too heavily
influenced by powerful food lobby groups, and
do
not put into perspective the wealth of research conducted during the
last ten years that has reshaped the definition of healthy eating.
THE
PHYTONUTRIENT REVOLUTION
Phytonutrients have catapulted to the top of nutritional
science research. "Phytonutrients Take Center Stage" was published in
the December 1999 issue of
Agricultural Research
magazine.
Phytonutrients are a class of health-promoting, bio-active compounds
with many sub-categories. By some counts, more than 100,000
phytonutrient compounds have already been identified and catalogued.
Around the world, new discoveries are being continually made by health
scientists. Some of the more common class names are Carotenoids and
Flavonoids (Polyphenols).
Most known phytonutrients are strongly related to pigment. Dark
red and blue pigmented flavonoids, with names like isoflavones,
anthocyanins, flavinols, catechins and phenols are dominant in fruits.
And richly colored
fruits are considered to be a potent source of antioxidants.
(And no, this does not mean that drinking darker colored soft drinks is
healthier than the lemon-lime varieties! We should banish them all from
our diets!)
Perhaps most important to know about phytonutrients and fruits is that
they appear to be far more beneficial and effective in promoting health
when a combination
of fruits (not just a single fruit) is consumed
THE SCIENCE BEHIND MONAVIE
Unlike many products that are rushed to market because
someone spots a trend and tries to quickly cash in on it, MonaVie's
entry into the Wellness arena came slowly and meticulously. Its creators
spent many long months formulating MonaVie and making it palatable --
knowing that
only
if it tasted good
would people be likely to try it and thus discover its profound
benefits.
MonaVie's efforts were based upon and supported by more than two decades
of nutritional science evolution related to the role of antioxidants and
more recent years of discoveries about phytonutrients and the crucial
roles they play in health.
Balance, Variety, Moderation--Keys to Effectiveness
Fruits are an abundant source of many thousands of phytonutrients as
well as at least 8 vitamins and minerals--including vitamin C which is
known to be a powerful antioxidant.
Many of the 19 fruits selected for the MonaVie formula, starting with
the legendary acai berry from the Amazon Rainforest,
have centuries-old traditions of being used to support
a healthy diet and help promote health. More recent years of scientific
research have validated the phytonutrient content and health benefits of
these fruits. (Hippocrates was RIGHT!)
Most
known phytonutrients are strongly linked to pigment, Mother Nature's way
of protecting botanicals from intense sunlight and other harsh
conditions. Health experts today agree it is best to consume a
color spectrum VARIETY of fruits to gain greatest advantage
from their respective phytonutrients.
The fruits of MonaVie give us this spectrum: acai
berry, pomegranate, white grape, apple, acerola, pear, aronia, purple
grape, cranberry, passionfruit, banana, apricot, prune, kiwi, blueberry,
bilberry, camu camu, wolfberry and lychee.
| Contact Information |
| Marketing Opportunities |
| Theresa Wyne |
| Mill Creek, Washington 98012
USA 206-794-5439 |
| Email Contact Information |
| For General Inquiries: MonaVieSeattleWashington@gmail.com |
Copyright 2002 Abby's All Best Kindle eBooks, Healthy4Hearts.com, Marketing Opportunities, LLC, Seattle, Washington, USA.
All rights reserved. Privacy Page Site Map Home
Buy Your eBooks at Best-Online-Buys.com And Online-Buy-Cheap.com Buy gifts at Best-Online-Buys.com