Keep Your Heart Healthy

Published on June 25, 2012

Cardiovascular disease remains American's No.1 killer, claiming more lives than the rest of major causes of death, according to the American Heart Association.

Lipid screening is the most common technique used to evaluate the cardiovascular system and measures the different types of fat in the body. Cholesterol (fatty material) accumulates within the artery walls, where it eventually hardens. Arteries subsequently lose their normal elasticity and become narrow, restricting the passage of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. There are many different kinds of lipids, most of which are included in your total cholesterol level. Lipids included in total cholesterol are HDL “Good” Cholesterol, and a direct measurement of your LDL “Bad” Cholesterol.

The Direct LDL accurately determines your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (also called “bad” cholesterol) in your blood. This test is used when you are not fasting. In traditional screenings that require fasting, LDL cholesterol is calculated. Since you are participating in a screening that does not require you to fast, your LDL cholesterol will be a direct measurement. An elevated direct LDL result indicates a greater risk of developing heart disease.