Talk to Your Doctor A SIMPLE BLOOD TEST The NMR LipoProfile test—The Particle Test—is a simple blood test and can be part of your standard blood draw. It gives you and your doctor a direct measure of your LDL particle number (LDL-P) along with your standard cholesterol results. Knowing your LDL-P gives you a more complete picture of your heart health.

The particle and cholesterol information can be used to help you and your doctor make more informed decisions about your heart heath and determine a treatment plan that's best for you.

IS THE PARTICLE TEST RIGHT FOR YOU?

If you have any of the following health concerns, ask your doctor for the NMR LipoProfile test:

• Using diet and exercise to manage your cholesterol
• Taking medication to manage your cholesterol
• A previous heart attack or stroke
• A family history of heart attack or stroke
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes or a strong family history of diabetes

WHY THE PARTICLE TEST IS IMPORTANT

It is important to know that having a high number of LDL particles is bad. LDL particles carry and deposit cholesterol into your arteries and the cholesterol becomes plaque—called atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. More LDL particles (a higher LDL-P) means there is a greater likelihood that plaque may develop in your arteries increasing your risk for heart disease. If you have a high number of LDL particles, you should lower the number. There are many treatment options available to lower your LDL particle number.

ASK FOR THE PARTICLE TEST

Ask your doctor if the NMR LipoProfile test—The Particle Test—is right for you. Because you deserve a more complete picture of your heart health.

Discuss your risk for heart disease with your doctor:

• Ask about getting the NMR LipoProfile test – The Particle test — that can give you a measure of your LDL Particle number (LDL-P) for a more complete picture of your heart health.
• Ask for advice on lifestyle changes that can:
  • Improve your heart health
  • Lower your stress
  • Lead to a longer healthier life
• Talk about your exercise plan.
• Discuss diet changes that you may have made or would like to make by incorporating heart healthy foods.

Understand Your Results The NMR LipoProfile test—The Particle Test—gives you and your doctor a direct measure of LDL particle number (LDL-P) along with standard cholesterol results that can be used to manage your heart health.

A sample report is as follows:

This information can help you and your doctor make more informed decisions about the treatment that’s best for you. It is important to monitor your progress by repeating the NMR LipoProfile test—The Particle Test.

LDL Particle Number (LDL-P)

LDL-P can range from less than 1000 to over 2000 nmol/L. The more LDL particles you have, the higher your risk for heart disease. When your LDL-P is low, your risk may be reduced. ^1-3

Lipids

The lipid panel is a standard cholesterol test. It Is made up of
four values. LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.

Risk Level for Heart Disease:

Based on your LDL-P and LDL-C results, your doctor may advise you on a treatment plan to
maintain your heart health.
Click HERE to download a form that you can use with your doctor to evaluate your test results

1. McBride PE, Stein JH. Contemporary Diagnosis and Management in Preventive Cardiology. (Humana Press2006).
2. Cromwell WC, Otvos JD etal. Low-density lipoprotein particle number and risk for cardiovascular disease. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2004;6381-387.
3. Otvos JD, Jeyarajah EJ, CromwellWC. Measurement issues related to lipoprotein heterogenicity. Amer J Cardiol. 2002;90(suppl):22i-29i.

Treatment Options Improving your diet and getting regular exercise is important to your overall heart health and may help lower your LDL particle number (LDL-P). Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes that can keep your heart healthy.

START WITH EATING RIGHT

Eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Eating more of these foods, like whole-wheat pasta, beans, nuts, berries, spinach and broccoli, are good for your heart. Limit your red meat — like steak and hamburgers — eat fish at least once a week and lean turkey or chicken without the skin. Use olive oil or canola oil in place of butter. Avoid fried foods or those meals served with heavy sauces.

GET REGULAR EXERCISE

Not only does it make your heart stronger, it increases your energy and helps you lose weight. A brisk walk or riding a bike is safe for most adults. However, please check with your doctor before you begin any diet or exercise program.

LEAD A HEART HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

These tips are based on the well-documented Mediterranean diet and exercise instructions to help you get moving and help you lead a heart healthy lifestyle. These tips can be found by clicking HERE.

WHEN DIET AND EXERCISE ISNT ENOUGH

For some patients diet and exercise may be very effective at lowering your LDL particle number (LDL-P). However, some patients may need to take prescription medicine such as statins to help lower their LDL particle number (LDL-P) and there are other medications that are effective. Work with your doctor to find out what plan is best for you. Be sure to make follow-up appointments for the NMR LipoProfile test—The Particle Test—to assess your progress and proactively manage your heart health.

Get the information you deserve to manage your heart health. Ask your doctor for the NMR LipoProfile test—The Particle Test.