Is this test safe or not. Before we know that, let us see what is all about cholesterol.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a lipid (fat) which is produced by the liver. Cholesterol is vital for normal body function. Every cell in our body has cholesterol in its outer layer.
Importance of knowing cholesterol
- It builds and maintains cell membranes (outer layer), it prevents crystallization of hydrocarbons in the membrane
- It is essential for determining which molecules can pass into the cell and which cannot (cell membrane permeability)
- It is involved in the production of sex hormones (androgens and estrogens)
- It is essential for the production of hormones released by the adrenal glands (cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, and others)
- It aids in the production of bile
- It converts sunshine to vitamin D. Scientists from the Rockefeller University were surprised to find that taking vitamin D supplements do not seem to reduce the risk of cholesterol-related cardiovascular disease.
- It is important for the metabolism of fat soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K
- It insulates nerve fibers
Three main types of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is carried in the blood by molecules called lipoproteins. A lipoprotein is any complex or compound containing both lipid (fat) and protein. The three main types are:
LDL (low density lipoprotein)
People often refer to it as bad cholesterol. LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to cells. If too much is carried, too much for the cells to use, there can be a harmful buildup of LDL. This lipoprotein can increase the risk of arterial disease if levels rise too high. Most human blood contains approximately 70% LDL - this may vary, depending on the person.
HDL (high density lipoprotein)
People often refer to it as good cholesterol. Experts say HDL prevents arterial disease. HDL does the opposite of LDL - HDL takes the cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver. In the liver it is either broken down or expelled from the body as waste.
Triglycerides –
These are the chemical forms in which most fat exists in the body, as well as in food. They are present in blood plasma. Triglycerides, in association with cholesterol, form the plasma lipids (blood fat). Triglycerides in plasma originate either from fats in our food, or are made in the body from other energy sources, such as carbohydrates. Calories we consume but are not used immediately by our tissues are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells. When your body needs energy and there is no food as an energy source, triglycerides will be released from fat cells and used as energy - hormones control this process.
What are normal cholesterol levels?
Below is a list of cholesterol levels and how most doctors would categorize them in mg/dl (milligrams/deciliter) and 5mmol/liter (millimoles/liter).
Desirable - Less than 200 mg/dL
Borderline high - 200 to 239 mg/dL
High - 240 mg/dL and above
Optimum level: less than 5mmol/liter
Mildly high cholesterol level: between 5 to 6.4mmol/liter
Moderately high cholesterol level: between 6.5 to 7.8mmol/liter
Very high cholesterol level: above 7.8mmol/liter
Dangers of high cholesterol levels
High cholesterol levels can cause:
Atherosclerosis - narrowing of the arteries.
Higher coronary heart disease risk
An abnormality of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart
Heart attack
Occurs when the supply of blood and oxygen to an area of heart muscle is blocked usually by a clot in a coronary artery. This causes your heart muscle to die.
Angina
Chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart muscle does not get enough blood.
Other cardiovascular conditions - diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Stroke and mini-stroke - occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or vein, interrupting the flow to an area of the brain. Can also occur when a blood vessel breaks. Brain cells begin to die.
What is new test?
PREVU* Skin Cholesterol Test
This Test non-invasively, painlessly and rapidly measures skin cholesterol. As a new risk factor for heart disease, skin cholesterol provides valuable additional information to traditional CAD risk assessment. Skin contains over 11% of the body’s cholesterol and ages in parallel with vascular connective tissue. As arterial walls accumulate cholesterol, so do the skin tissues. A high skin cholesterol level is a reliable predictor of higher cholesterol accumulation in the arteries and, accordingly, can be used in combination with other risk factors to assess risk of coronary artery disease.
The product has previously received FDA clearance for sale in the United States and additional regulatory approvals in Canada and Europe. PREVU* has been successfully test marketed on a limited basis in North America.
Expert Views on new cholesterol skin test ($20 Test)
A new $20 test for cholesterol that some B.C. pharmacies are introducing is stirring up controversy in the medical community. Winnipeg bio-tech company Miraculins says the desire for fast and convenient cholesterol test results prompted the creation of their device.
It allows pharmacists to scan the palm of someone's hand and analyze how much cholesterol is in the skin. UBC cardiologist Dr. John Mancini sees some benefit to the convenience of the tests. This is like a thermometer; it tells you if you are worried and you have got a bit of a fever. It heightens the chance of you having a chat with your doctor.
But Dr. Daniel Holmes, the head of clinical chemistry as St. Paul's hospital has his reservations. He notes each test administered by a pharmacist costs $19.99, but a traditional blood test is covered by the province.
I wouldn't spend $19.99 for the test. I wouldn't spend $1.99 for it. There are lots of people who are willing to take your money for testing that is not well scientifically validated," he said.
Holmes says the device should not replace blood testing. He recommends anyone concerned about their cholesterol should save their money and just take the time to consult a physician.
London Drugs to introduce testing
The Miraculins Company has partnered with London Drugs to introduce the testing at its Metro Vancouver and one Winnipeg stores this month, with plans to expand the testing to stores across western Canada in 2013. 'We have a longstanding tradition of bringing new, innovative and meaningful technologies to our customers and we are most impressed with the science behind the PreVu POC Test," London Drugs vice president John Tse said in a statement earlier this year. According to the manufacture's website the testing device measures cholesterol in the skin, which accumulates along with cholesterol in arterial walls as people age.
"This simple test is conducted by placing a drop of digitonin, which binds selectively to the cholesterol in the skin, on the palm of the hand," said a statement on the company website. "This liquid also contains an enzyme (horseradish peroxidase) linked to the digitonin by a copolymer. After a one-minute incubation period, the area is blotted dry to remove any unbound digitonin solution."
"A second drop of liquid is then added, containing a substrate for the horseradish peroxidase enzyme. When combined, a blue color change occurs in direct proportion to the amount of digitonin that is bound to skin cholesterol."
"After two minutes, a hand-held spectrophotometer (color reader) is placed over the drop to measure the precise blue color, which indicates the skin cholesterol value."
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