The common perception is that having “normal” cholesterol equates to a low risk of cardiovascular disease or heart attacks. First responders from WTA and other members of the medical community has been working hard to dispel this misconception for numerous years. They have been educating people on research from organizations like The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and advanced cholesterol testing technology.
Cholesterol testing has historically been used as the standard indicator for cardiovascular disease classified as HDL (good) or LDL (bad). If your total cholesterol was under 200 mg/dL, your HDL was at least 60 mg/dL and your LDL wasn’t higher than 100 mg/dL then you were considered “healthy”. The trick is that there is MUCH more to know about cholesterol than these basic and high-level numbers. There are different sizes of HDL and LDL particles and some are much more dangerous than others. It is necessary to find out the size/density and number of these particles to accurately determine your cardiovascular risk. For example more than 30% of the population has cholesterol-depleted LDL, a condition in which a patient’s cholesterol may be “normal” but their lipoprotein particle number, and hence their actual risk, could be much higher than expected. See image below for more details.
The Wellness Center offers an advanced cholesterol test called the Lipoprotien Partical Profile (LPP) from Spectacell Laboratories. This simple, yet sophisticated test evaluates not only your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels. It also assesses 7 other risk factors including:

  • Lipoprotien particle number – the higher number the higher the risk
  • Liproprotien (a) – known as the “widow maker” for causes heart attacks quickly and at a young age
  • Homocysteine – inflammatory agent that causes artery clogging

“The LLP is my favorite test of all time for it truly can, and does, save lives.” proclaims Dr. Tiffany Binder, Naturopathic Doctor at The Wellness Center. “With cardiovascular disease being the number one killer of men and women in our country, it feels good to have accurate information to not only educate my patients about their risks, but also put together a plan to help minimize them.”
This test is ideal for everyone above the age of 30 to do on an annual basis, BUT is highly recommended for people who:

  • Have a family history of, or have been diagnosed with heart disease or diabetes
  • Are taking cholesterol-lowering medications
  • Have low HDL
  • Have high LDL or triglycerides
  • Are overweight

Most Insurance Covers the LPP
This test is very affordable if you don’t have health insurance. But if you do have even catastrophic insurance with a high deductable the test will most likely only cost you a basic co-pay. So no excuses. Make your appointment today to see if you are at risk! 303-357-9355
Learn More About Cholesterol
Join us for an informative workshop:
“The Truths and Myths Behind Cholesterol” with Dr. Tiffany Binder, ND
Date: Tues. Feb 28st
Time: 6-7:30 pm
Cost: FREE
Location: The Wellness Center
Click here for more information or call 303-357-9355