Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for nearly 700,000 deaths every year. What’s even more alarming is the number of cardiovascular disease cases continues to rise, as well.
To understand and fight the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, especially among younger individuals, Richmond University Medical Center has integrated an Advanced Lipid Panel screening for patients. Here, we explore this type of advanced-level blood testing further and the role it plays in preventing and slowing the progression of cardiovascular disease.
What Is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease is a general term used to categorize several health conditions involving the cardiovascular system, including the heart and blood vessels. The most common disorders of cardiovascular disease include:
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)
- Heart valve problems
- Coronary and peripheral artery disease
Various risk factors increase a person’s likelihood of experiencing a cardiac event, such as:
- Unhealthy diet
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Harmful consumption of alcohol
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Aging
- Family history of cardiovascular conditions
About Advanced Lipid Panel Testing
Standard lipid screening plays an important role in assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease but it unfortunately does not tell the entire story. Many healthcare providers, including Richmond University Medical Center, are turning to an Advanced Lipid Panel screening to more thoroughly investigate the composition of inflammatory, cholesterol, and glucose markers, offering deeper insights into the residual risk for patients.
By breaking down the particles in such detail, physicians can better identify genetic and molecular components, which indicate a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases. An Advanced Lipid Panel is critical for improving the screening process for cardiovascular disease, as well as delivering a never-before-seen level of clarity and accuracy to a patient’s diagnosis.
Advanced Lipid Panel screening can be especially useful for patients with diabetes or insulin resistance. It is also great for those with a previous history of cardiovascular disease, who continue to show signs of the condition, even when their cholesterol and blood pressure levels are at their target goal.
Applying Advanced Results
Advanced Lipid Panel screening is changing how the cardiovascular team at Richmond University Medical Center approaches care. With access to comprehensive bloodwork given by the Advanced Lipid Panel, we can develop a more effective and personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient.
Even though cardiovascular disease is a continuous battle, advanced screenings like an Advanced Lipid Panel are helping to change the narrative with early detection. Identifying the risk factors early enough helps patients reduce the morbidity and mortality rate of heart disease through lifestyle changes, diet modifications, and medications.
Cardiac Services at Richmond University Medical Center
The cardiovascular care team at Richmond University Medical Center has access to a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization laboratory, where we diagnose and treat a variety of cardiac conditions. Additionally, as a Level I Adult and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, Richmond University Medical Center is prepared to handle any cardiac emergency.
As one of the most prestigious inpatient and outpatient cardiovascular units, we have the necessary equipment and expertise to provide patients with an assortment of noninvasive tests for proper diagnosis and fast treatment. Our team is capable of administering the following exams:
- Electrocardiograms (EKG): This is a test used to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms to ensure healthy heart function.
- Echocardiograms: These produce a clear image of the heart for physicians to identify conditions affecting the heart’s valves and chambers.
- Vascular ultrasounds: Through this test, images of blood vessels are formed to diagnose blood clots, blockages, and other issues.
- ABI/PVR test: Ankle brachial index (ABI) and pulse volume recording (PVR) tests measure blood pressure and identify any blockages.
- Cardiac stress tests: These are used to determine the heart’s ability to handle various levels of stress, including physical stress from exercising.
For the exceptional care given to heart attack patients and other cardiac events, Richmond University Medical Center is proud to be recognized as one of only 400 hospitals nationwide to earn the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award.
Find Comprehensive Cardiac Care in Staten Island, New York
Richmond University Medical Center is dedicated to finding new ways to treat conditions that affect members of the Staten Island community, including cardiovascular disease. The cardiovascular care team uses Advanced Lipid Panel screening and other proven methods to accurately identify a patient’s risk for a cardiac event. With this extensive information, we improve our care and patients’ overall health. Contact us today to learn more about our cardiac services or to schedule an appointment.
