Cholesterol Monitor Information
The importance of knowing your cholesterol numbers cannot be overestimated. For someone 20 years or older, a test every 5 years is the suggested number - until the results start showing high cholesterol then you might want a more personal kind of cholesterol monitorThe importance of knowing your cholesterol numbers cannot be overestimated. For someone with normal numbers and no additional predictive factors pointing to a danger of high cholesterol, the few tests advised by the doctor should be sufficient. For someone 20 years or older, a test every 5 years is the suggested number - until the results start showing high cholesterol.
If you have high numbers and a condition that adds to the problem like diabetes or the need to take medication that raises cholesterol, more frequent tests are advised. If your cholesterol cannot be controlled by diet and exercise and medication is assisting in your cholesterol control, you might want a more personal kind of cholesterol monitor.
Testing at Home
With the success of diabetes home monitoring, medical science has been developing tests that can be administered at home to keep track of progress, including some types of cholesterol monitor. Cholesterol levels can fluctuate on a daily basis. For those within the normal range, this isn' t a problem.
When your cholesterol levels are typically at levels that can be dangerous, it can be important for you to monitor changes so that you can see what is working and what isn' t.
For several years instruments like the home cholesterol monitor have been delivering reliable results using a drop of blood. The test takes just a few minutes at home and many of the devices will keep track of the time and date of the test and stores the results. Such a tool can be helpful when a patient is trying a new regimen.Improvements can be measured as an increased exercise regimen is implemented. As results become better, a patient may find encouragement between doctor' s visits and keep up the good work. This alone can be very important since beginning a diet and exercise program is demanding and high cholesterol can cause depression.
Several types of cholesterol monitor are miniature computers. This allows different kinds of information to be available. A device may be able to assess current readings in conjunction with other risk factors such as smoking. While the FDA accepts the accuracy of the new types of home cholesterol monitor, some insurance companies don' t accept the need for frequent testing and don' t cover the cost of the devices and their test strips.
The need for such tests can be determined by doctors on a case by case basis. If nothing else, they help a patient participate more fully in controlling the situation.
This high cholesterol number and diet to lower cholesterol information was a culmination from many different sources and resources. You should never just believe one high cholesterol number resource and you should study a help lower cholesterol subject from a few different perspectives.
Some cholesterol monitor devices:
Lifestream Cholesterol Monitor - - Lifestream LSP4000 Cholesterol Monitor for convenient, personal cholesterol screening and monitoring in the privacy of your home (requires no fasting). Lifestream is the first home device ever designed to quickly and cost effectively measure total blood cholesterol.
A lancet device is used to stick your finger, and a single drop of blood is placed onto a test strip. Results are available in 3 minutes and meet accuracy and precision standards of the National Cholesterol Education Program. 1-year mfg. warranty. Operates on 2 AAA-batteries
Single-use Total Cholesterol Test Kit (LSP3200) , consisting of disposable lancet, alcohol prep swab, single-use cholesterol test strip, and bandage, is required to use the cholesterol checker and is available separately below. Personal Healthcard (LSP3300), which is optional and not required when using the cholesterol checker.
Cholesterol test kits: Are they accurate?
Mayo Clinic cardiologist Gerald Gau, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol-test-kits/AN01461
Answer
"No. Home cholesterol test kits are not reliable or consistent enough to be useful in managing your cholesterol. Several cholesterol test kits are available. Most measure only total cholesterol. Some measure total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol).
High blood cholesterol plays a major role in coronary artery disease and stroke. So, it is important to know your cholesterol level. However, even when cholesterol testing is performed by trained professionals in a lab, there is significant variability in the results.
Also, cholesterol management requires more than measuring total cholesterol. Careful clinical assessment of HDL cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) and triglycerides is also important.
Before using a home cholesterol test kit, consult your doctor. Although home testing may seem faster and easier, it does not provide any benefit if it produces inaccurate results. Also, a home cholesterol test kit won't give you the information you need to assess your overall risk of cardiovascular disease."
To know more about cholesterol visit us
- EdGMore News Information About "Cholesterol Monitor":
How to Raise HDL Levels Naturally and Lower Cholesterol
Often called "Good Cholesterol," HDL stands for High-Density Lipoprotein. HDL is a blood substance that picks up cholesterol and helps remove it from the body. HDL is known as the "good" cholestero...
Publication date: Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:36:26 EST
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