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More commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol,” LDL-C stands for “low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.” Over time, high levels of LDL-C can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries that restricts blood flow.
If left unchecked, this may lead to serious cardiovascular events-like heart attack or stroke. Despite its dangers, there are no symptoms of high LDL-C. Testing your cholesterol levels is the only way of knowing your levels.
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There are many factors that can put you at risk of serious cardiovascular events. Some risk factors can be controlled, while others cannot. Knowing your LDL-C (bad cholesterol) level can help you understand your risk.
Only a blood test can show if your LDL-C is high or within a recommended level. Everyone's recommended level is different based on their medical history and certain risk factors. If you have cardiovascular disease, the most recent guidelines for cholesterol management suggest that lower LDL-C is better. Be sure to talk to your doctor to learn more.
Here are some factors that can impact your heart health:
Risk factors you cannot control:
Risk factors you can control:
LDL- C (bad cholesterol) is one of the most important factors you can control.
Understanding what your risk factors are and knowing your LDL-C level can help you take steps to better manage your health.
Get tested. Then talk to your doctor about what your recommended level should be, and how to get there.
Cholesterol plays a big role on your health. Making lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are usually the first steps to lowering it. If that’s not enough, patients may take statins, an oral medication that interferes with the production of cholesterol in the liver.
However, some people have persistently high LDL-C levels, despite making lifestyle changes and taking a statin. In those cases, there are some prescription medications that can be used in addition to statins to help lower LDL-C even further. Talk to your doctor about whether these medications may be right for you.
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Individuals may use a voucher to redeem a one-time Cholesterol Screening from MinuteClinic®, one-time Cholesterol and Lipids test from Everlywell, Inc., one-time Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel from a participating Quest Diagnostics Inc. laboratory, as the case may be. The vouchers may only be used by the patient to whom it was given, and in the case of the Quest Diagnostics voucher, for whom it is written, and are nontransferable. The vouchers are not available to individuals below the age of 18 years old and are not intended for healthcare professionals. Patients, providers, and labs cannot seek reimbursement for this test from any health insurance or any third party, including state and federally funded programs. These programs are not intended to be a source of medical advice or treatment and do not replace in any way independent medical assessment and advice regarding your diagnosis or treatment. Any questions about diagnosis, treatment or healthcare in general should be presented to your doctor. By participating, you agree that you are solely responsible for determining whether the use of this program is right for you, and you agree to release Amgen Inc. and MinuteClinic, Everlywell, Inc. or Quest Diagnostics Inc. from any liability relating to your participation in the program.
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