Simple test to check personal cholesterol levels

CardioChek^® test system is used by Americans and people in 100 countries around the world to test personal cholesterol levels. Simple, reliable and fast, CardioChek is manufactured by Indianapolis company Polymer Technology Systems, Inc. (PTS, Inc.), a leading global provider of point-of-care diagnostic products to the healthcare industry. On February 15^th the CardioChek test system was featured on Lifetime Channel’s program, “The Balancing Act,” and will air again on February 22^nd and March 15^th. Staying heart healthy is an important topic at any time but is a special focus in the month of February, National Heart Month.

Each year more than 1.5 million Americans will suffer a heart attack, with about 500,000 people dying from heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Blood Cholesterol is one of the main risk factors that can determine your risk for developing heart and cardiovascular disease.

High Cholesterol does not have accompanying symptoms. So unless you test for cholesterol, you won’t know if your numbers are high or low. You may think that tracking your cholesterol numbers will require frequent doctor office visits to get testing but here is a simple, reliable home cholesterol testing device. The CardioChek^® test system can help you stay on track between doctor’s appointments.

The CardioChek test system is a fast, simple, and user-friendly method to accurately determine cholesterol values. With a drop of blood by fingerstick, you can get your cholesterol values in 2 minutes, using the same method that physicians and wellness providers utilize. CardioChek is hand-held, battery-operated, and portable. The device provides true Point-of-Care results for Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, and Triglycerides - known risk factors for heart and cardiovascular disease.

On Lifetime’s “The Balancing Act,” PTS, Inc. Chief Science & Technology Officer, Frank LaDuca, PhD, demonstrates how to use the CardioChek test system and how cholesterol numbers relate to a “healthy heart.” The higher your numbers for Total Cholesterol and LDL Cholesterol, the higher your risk to develop heart disease. However, not all high numbers mean high risk. For example, if your HDL Cholesterol number is high – that’s a good thing. It’s known as the “good” cholesterol because high HDL Cholesterol levels appear to protect against heart attack.

The CardioChek^® test system allows you another way to take charge of your health and that of your loved ones. It enables you to measure your “levels” and manage a healthy lifestyle including good diet and an exercise program. Much like a scale is used when you are trying to lose weight, the CardioChek test system will measure your progress, and other family members’ progress, with cholesterol-lowering therapies.

In addition to heart health, very recent research strongly suggests that high cholesterol in middle age is a precursor for developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease later in life – another significant reason to “know your numbers” and keep your cholesterol and that of your family at optimal levels.