Overview

Advanced lipoprotein testing measures the number of various lipoprotein particles present, information that is more predictive of heart disease than traditional cholesterol testing. NMR-based lipoprotein testing is especially important for people with certain risk factors, even if they have normal cholesterol numbers (LDL cholesterol <130 mg/dL).

The Center for Cholesterol Management is the only free-standing facility in Southern California using NMR-based lipoprotein testing to deliver state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of lipid disorders. It is the only test that provides both traditional lipids and the number of atherogenic particles to better identify and manage patients at risk for coronary heart disease. Thanks to new research, we understand that heart disease, or blocking of arteries, is caused by lipoprotein particles and not by cholesterol. Cholesterol and triglycerides cannot move through the artery wall unless they are carried inside a lipoprotein particle. Lipoprotein particles serve as the vehicles that transport cholesterol in the blood™. These are the particles that can build up in a person's arteries and cause a heart attack.

We all know keeping your "bad" cholesterol (LDL-C) low is important. While measuring is helpful, knowing these numbers isn't enough for all patients. No matter how much cholesterol is being carried by these lipoprotein particles, studies show time and again, it is the number of various lipoprotein particles present that contribute to heart disease.

Find out if you are at risk >>