CLINICAL PHARMACY
SERVICES
CHOLESTEROL-LIPID SCREENINGS
High cholesterol may not have any signs or symptoms. Oftentimes, the only way to know if you have high cholesterol is by having your cholesterol checked. Let Altitude Drug help. Our pharmacists are accessible, knowledgeable and want you to be healthy.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is type of lipid (fat) in our blood. Our bodies need some cholesterol, but if you have too much cholesterol it can build up in your body and lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
What are the risk factors for high cholesterol?
Testing for high cholesterol is advised if you:
• Drink alcohol frequently
• Smoke cigarettes
• Are overweight or obese
• Lead an inactive (sedentary) lifestyle
• Have a history of high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease in your family
• Are diagnosed with diabetes, kidney disease, polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid issues
Desirable Cholesterol Levels
Total Cholesterol:
Less than 200 mg/dL
LDL "bad" Cholesterol:
Less than 100 mg/dL
HDL "good" Cholesterol:
Greater than or equal to 60 mg/dL
Triglycerides:
Less than 150 mg/dL
What does a cholesterol screening measure?
At Altitude Drug, we will provide you with the following information in as little as 15 minutes!
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Total cholesterol: the sum of all the types of cholesterol in your blood.
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Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): the undesirable ‘bad’ kind of cholesterol that can build up plaque and clog your blood vessels.
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High-density lipoprotein (HDL): the ‘good’ kind that helps clear LDL from your blood vessels and keeps arteries open for blood to flow freely.
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Triglycerides: when you eat, the body converts the calories it doesn’t need into triglycerides that are stored in fat cells.
Who needs to get their cholesterol checked?
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Most healthy adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4-to-6 years.
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Some people, such as people who have heart disease or diabetes or who have a family history of high cholesterol, need to get their cholesterol checked more often.
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Children and adolescents should have their cholesterol checked at least once between ages 9 and 11 and again between ages 17 and 21.
How do I prepare for my cholesterol screening?
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Fasting is recommended to accurately measure triglycerides. For best results, do not have any food or drinks for 8-to-12 hours before the screening. Water is acceptable. Please stay hydrated.
RESOURCES:
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Cholesterol test https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholesterol-test/about/pac-20384601
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Cholesterol Test https://www.healthline.com/health/cholesterol-test
DIABETIC A1C SCREENINGS
What is an A1C test?
The A1C test is a blood test for diagnosing type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is also used as a tool to screen for prediabetes and to monitor how well your blood glucose levels are controlled. An A1C test (also referred to as a hemoglobin A1C test) will indicate the average blood glucose level over a three-month timeframe. An A1C test shows what percentage of your hemoglobin--a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen--is coated with glucose (glycated hemoglobin). The higher the A1C level, the weaker your body's blood sugar control which may lead to a higher risk for diabetes complications.
When should I get an A1C test?
People with diabetes are recommended to undergo A1C testing at least twice a year. For type 1 diabetes patients, more frequent testing, as often as every three months, is recommended especially if you and your provider are adjusting treatment, setting blood sugar level targets, or if you are pregnant.
What do the numbers mean?
Normal:
5.6%
Pre-Diabetes:
5.7% to 6.4%
Diabetes:
6.5% or above
How does the A1C test work?
A blood cell has a lifespan of approximately three months which makes the A1C test very helpful. At any given time, your body is producing new blood cells and has new and “old” blood cells circulating inside you. Every blood cell carries a history of glucose levels in your body in the form of glycated hemoglobin. Because the A1C test shows average blood glucose over the past three months, it is not a reliable indicator of blood glucose for any given day, but rather it is an indicator of blood glucose control over time.