WHAT IS RESPIRATORY PCR?
This assay provides additional information on Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) risk in patients known or suspected to be at increased risk based on factors like family history of premature CHD or Stroke, Hypertension, Cigarette smoking, Obesity, Diabetes mellitus, increased levels of LDL and decreased levels of HDL. High levels of Lp(a) increase cardiovascular risk 2-3 fold. Lp(a) behaves like an acute phase protein and should not be measured during periods of active inflammation and for at least 1 month after Myocardial infarction or Stroke.
What is it used for?
A lipoprotein (a) test is used to check for risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart diseases. It is not a routine test. It is usually only given to people who have certain risk factors, such as a family history of heart disease.What do the results mean?
INTERPRETATIONS:
A high lipoprotein (a) level may mean you are at risk for heart disease. There are no specific treatments to lower lipoprotein (a). Your level of lipoprotein (a) is determined by your genes and is not affected by your lifestyle or by most medicines. But if your test results show a high level of lipoprotein (a), your health care provider may make recommendations to reduce other risk factors that can lead to heart disease. These may include medicines or lifestyle changes such as:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Weight Control
- Quitting smoking
- Getting regular exercise
- Reducing stress
- Lowering blood pressure
- Reducing LDL cholesterol