February has been celebrated as the American Heart Month (AHA) since 1963 to spread awareness about preventing heart disease. Coronary heart disease accounts for 1 in 7 deaths in the US, killing over 366,800 people a year. About 92.1 million American adults are living with some form of cardiovascular disease or the after-effects of stroke.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the theme of American Heart Month 2019 as: "Let's Talk About Cholesterol". High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Good cholesterol (HDL) is believed to carry bad cholesterol (LDL) away from the arteries to the liver where it is broken down and eliminated from the body. Studies have found that low levels of HDL cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease.
Total cholesterol is measured using an enzymatic colorimetric method. Liquid reagents such as the Stanbio HDL-Cholesterol Test, 20 ML are used with Enzymatic Cholesterol Test Sets to analyze the levels of LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.
Steps to lower high LDL cholesterol levels include making healthy lifestyle changes such as choosing foods lower in saturated and trans fats, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Those diagnosed with high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, or diabetes, should take their medication and follow their health care provider's instructions carefully.
In 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) started the "Go Red for Women campaign" to highlight that heart disease is not only a man's problem. Since then, the first Friday of February has been designated as National Wear Red Day to inspire women to take charge of their heart health. In 2019, this National Wear Red Day be celebrated on February 1.
In December 2018, a study published in JAMA Cardiology found that Abbott's I-Stat TnI-Nx cardiac troponin assay which is done at the patient's bedside could rule out heart attacks earlier. Identify high risk patients sooner will enable physicians to provide appropriate treatment to optimize health outcomes.