What is Cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease is a catch all term that includes coronary artery disease leading to heart attacks, cerebrovascular disease causing TIAs or strokes, and peripheral vascular disease-causing poor blood supply to the extremities causing limb pain. It is the most common cause of death in the U.S. The underlying disease process in all three involve atherosclerotic plaque buildup in the arteries predisposing to sudden blockages or progressive obstruction impacting blood flow leading to symptoms. Risk screening is recommended to start with a blood test measuring your cholesterol levels.

Any other risk factors?

The full cardiovascular risk assessment involves screening for traditional cardiovascular risk factors which include;

• Hyperlipidemia
• Cigarette Smoking
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Premature family history of Cardiovascular disease in  a 1st degree relative
• Obesity

Acting to reduce these risk factors will lower one’s chance of death from cardiovascular cause.  A cholesterol blood test allows early detection of high LDL levels that may necessitate treatment with medications  that lower cholesterol levels.

Next steps

If you haven’t checked your cholesterol or it has been several years, you should get tested. If you live in the Columbus OH area, schedule a test with our lab today