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Frequently Asked Questions about Lipoprint Systems
for Consumers
Why is cholesterol important?
More than 90 million American adults (about 50%), have elevated blood
cholesterol levels which is one of the key risk factors for heart disease.
Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S.
What constitutes an elevated cholesterol level?
Cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or higher are considered high, and levels
ranging from 200 to 239 mg/dL are considered borderline-high.
Is an elevated cholesterol level unusual?
There are an estimated 99.5 million American adults that have a total
blood cholesterol level of 200mg/dL and higher. About 39.9 million American
adults have levels of 240 mg/dL or above.
What causes an elevated cholesterol level?
The body produces cholesterol in two ways: it makes some of it and the
rest comes from meat and other animal products such as eggs, butter, cheese
and whole milk.
Are there different kinds of cholesterol?
The most recognized cholesterol types are LDL Cholesterol (low-density
lipoprotein) and HDL Cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein). LDL is the
bad cholesterol, which circulates in the blood, slowly clogging arteries
as it builds up in the walls of them. LDL is associated with a higher
risk of heart disease. HDL is the good cholesterol, which carries cholesterol
away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is passed from
the body.
How do I find out about my cholesterol level ?
Regular cholesterol screening is the first line of defense against high
cholesterol. No matter a person's age, one should visit a doctor for an
accurate cholesterol reading including the HDL, LDL and triglyceride levels.
Men over 45 and women over 55 should be tested yearly. If a person is
in a high-risk group, testing is recommended every five years.
How do I know if I am in a high risk group?
High risk factors that lead to more regular cholesterol screenings include:
family history of heart diseases, excess weight, cigarette smoking, high
blood pressure, excessive stress, diabetes, and physical inactivity.
Is Lipoprint a cholesterol test?
Yes, but Lipoprint is an in-depth cholesterol test. It measures the HDL
and the LDL just like a regular cholesterol test, but it also gives more
information about your LDL.
Why is more LDL information important to me?
Your level of LDL could come back "normal" on a regular test,
even though there could be dangerous subfractions within the LDL. Lipoprint
measures these LDL subfractions, which are believed to be a major risk
factor for heart disease.
Why hasn't my doctor mentioned Lipoprint?
We are just beginning to educate the medical community on Lipoprint. This
is a new product that you may wish to mention to your physician. (Please
click here for a comprehensive, full color picture of a patient's profile
that you can print to show your doctor.)
Remember Lipoprint is the Fingerprint
of your LDL.
Will my insurance cover this Lipoprint test?
Yes, it is reimbursed by Medicare and private insurance (including self-insurance).
How can I get more information?
Quantimetrix Account Executives will be happy to answer any of your questions
by email: lipoprint@4qc.com,
telephone: 800-624-8380 or fax: 800-845-1834. Be sure to discuss this
Lipoprint test with your physician.
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