Lipid testing

Lipid testing, particularly advanced lipid testing, is crucial for accurately assessing cardiovascular risk beyond traditional lipid measurements such as total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Here's a summary of insights from trusted experts on advanced lipid testing:

1. Particle Measurement and Clinical Use:

   • Dr. Ronald Krauss explains the importance of measuring LDL particle size and number using advanced techniques like ion mobility. He notes that standard lipid tests might not reveal the nuanced risk associated with particle size and density. Such advanced testing can help refine risk assessment and tailor treatments for individuals with borderline LDL cholesterol levels 1.

2. Advanced Lipid Testing Techniques:

   • Dr. Mark Houston emphasizes that traditional methods, which measure only total lipid levels, are inadequate for assessing coronary heart disease risk. Advanced lipid testing, conducted for over 15 years, provides insights into not only lipid levels but also particle size, number, and functionality of HDL in cholesterol transport 2.

3. Personal Experience and Insights:

   • Victoria Field discusses her personal experience with an NMR lipoprophile test, noting that while traditional testing showed unremarkable results, advanced testing revealed significant variations in cholesterol particle numbers and sizes, highlighting unforeseen risks 3.

     Particle Measurement

     Rhonda Patrick

     Ronald Krauss

     Ronald Krauss discusses the importance of particle measurement in refining risk assessment and identifying candidates for treatment in individuals with borderline LDL cholesterol levels. He explains the benefits of the refined measurement method and its cost-effectiveness, and emphasizes the need for medical orders and diagnosis for insurance reimbursement.

     

     Found My Fitness

     Dr. Ronald Krauss on LDL Cholesterol, Particle Size, Heart Disease & Atherogenic Dyslipidemia

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4. Lipid Management:

   • Discussing strategies for managing elevated LP(a), Dr. Benoît Arsenault and Dr. Peter Attia talk about aggressive treatment approaches such as ApoB eradication and the use of PCSK9 inhibitors to lower cardiovascular risk, suggesting the critical role of detailed lipid profiling in medical practice 4.

These discussions reinforce the view that standard lipid testing might miss important risk factors, which advanced lipid testing can uncover, thereby enabling more precise and effective management of cardiovascular health.