Heart health is something many of us know we should pay attention to, but it can be easy to put off when we feel fine.
Laboratory testing can provide important information that may help you and your healthcare provider better understand certain cardiovascular risk factors.
One of the most familiar examples is cholesterol testing.
Understanding Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a substance your body needs, but different types of cholesterol and other blood fats can provide useful information about cardiovascular health.
A standard cholesterol panel may include measurements such as:
- Total cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- Triglycerides
Your healthcare provider may interpret these numbers alongside factors such as blood pressure, age, medical history, medications, family history, and lifestyle.
Why Trends Matter
One laboratory result represents a moment in time.
Testing periodically can help identify changes and trends.
For example, if you have made changes to your diet, exercise routine, weight, medications, or other aspects of your health, follow-up laboratory testing may provide useful information for a conversation with your healthcare provider.
More Advanced Testing
Depending on your individual situation, your healthcare provider may recommend testing beyond a traditional lipid panel.
MedDraw offers both a Cholesterol Panel and an Advanced Cardiac Risk Panel among its available testing options. My Med Draw
The appropriate testing depends on your individual health needs.
Don’t Wait for Symptoms
Many health conditions can develop without obvious symptoms.
That is one reason routine preventive care and appropriate laboratory testing can be valuable.
Testing does not replace your physician or other healthcare provider. Instead, it can provide information that becomes part of the larger picture of your health.
A Simple Way to Get Started
MedDraw makes access to laboratory testing straightforward.
You can review available tests, choose the testing appropriate for your needs, select an available appointment window, and visit our Thousand Oaks location for specimen collection. The site currently describes these appointment windows as 15-minute scheduling intervals. My Med Draw
Our focus is on accurate specimen collection and making the experience as comfortable as possible.
Your heart works for you every day. Give yourself better information about how your health is doing.
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Laboratory testing is intended to provide health information and does not by itself diagnose cardiovascular disease. Review your results and individual risk factors with a qualified healthcare provider.