Clinical and Interpretive

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States with an estimated 1.5 million heart attacks and 0.5 million strokes occurring annually, many in individuals who have no prior symptoms. Prevention of ischemic cardiovascular events is key. Risk factors, including advanced age, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, and decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, contribute to the likelihood of an ischemic event. The lipid profile can be used to identify and manage patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease.