A lipid panel is a usually fasting blood test that measures, circulating lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides. Different fractions of Total Cholesterol (LDL-Cholesterol, HDL-Cholesterol and VLDL-Cholesterol) can either measured directly or calculated with the Friedwald formula. Total cholesterol is = LDL-Cholesterol + HDL-Cholesterol + VLDL-Cholesterol which in turn is equal to Triglycerides/5.

Advanced lipid profile is more sophisticated blood test geared either to determine the qualities or the total number of circulating lipoprotein particles, providing further risk assessment. The routine use of advanced lipid testing has not been widely adopted but selected use of NMR-lipoprofiling has been endorsed by the National Lipid Association. CVD evaluator is a very useful decision support tool for appropriate use and selective interpretation of advanced lipoprofile testing as recommended per guidelines.

Some forms of hyperlipidemia are familial or hereditary and may manifest regardless of lifestyle. Medications can cause hyperlipidemia as well, notably oral contraceptives (birth control pills), estrogen therapy, high dose thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, antiretroviral therapy. Hyperlipidemia may also be a sign of other health conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, hypothyroidism and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Most common form of hyper /dyslipidemia in US is, however dysmetabolic syndrome, mostly caused by lifestyle. In pure dysmetabolic syndrome, the lipoprotein abnormalities are more compositional than quantitative associated with seemingly normal total plasma cholesterol but still carrying significant risk for atherosclerosis.

A complex algorithmic approach is necessary for interpretation of any blood lipid test. The so called target (healthy) levels for circulation lipoprotein fractions, most importantly LDL-Cholesterol, is closely dependent on other conditions such as age, hypertension, diabetes, smoking status, kidney function and existing vascular disease. Once multiple data is factored in and target levels are determined, the best therapeutic strategy for any blood lipid parameters still require vast knowledge, expertise. CVDevaluator, matches individual clinical and lipid profile with relevant literature, always cites guidelines and landmark studies.

To complicate the matters further controversy exists as to the treatment approach. CVDevaluator bridges a particular patient profile both to AHA/ACC or recently published NLA Recommendations for Patient-Centered Management of Dyslipidemia. The beneficial use of CVDevaluator in this field leading to better outcomes preventing death and heart attacks is particularly proven. Source – Lipid Journal