Private MD News

National event urges cholesterol testing

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Heart disease kills more people each year than any other cause of death. In an effort to reduce these rates, many physicians are working to raise awareness and get people to seek cholesterol testing as part of their regular health routine.

Many doctors are currently recognizing National Cholesterol Awareness Month, which takes place every year in September. The event is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, and seeks to raise awareness of the ways that cholesterol affects heart health.

"What many people do not know, is that heart disease is not inevitable and can be prevented through exercising, healthy diets, and more importantly, proper detection of high cholesterol levels," Michael Richmam, a Los Angeles-based cardiac physician, wrote in a press release. "In recent years, research has strengthened the argument for [cholesterol] testing."

He added that many people do not receive regular cholesterol testing, despite the fact that it is one of the earliest indicators of poor cardiovascular health.

As part of National Cholesterol Awareness Month, the National Institutes of Health are helping local health departments organize community events, including information sessions on monitoring heart health through cholesterol testing.