July 21, 2022 – We all know that high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, but do we know the details important to share with our customers and prospects to galvanize them into action to test before treating? Many clinicians rely on newer statin and non-statin medications to reduce lipid levels and reduce heart disease risks. But the treatment program cannot be initiated without the data, especially lipid testing information. As consultants to our clinical customers, getting the facts in place should lead to a healthier patient base and better cardiac health outcomes. Not to mention more lab business for you.
While death rates from heart disease have dropped significantly (more than 68%) from 1969 to 2014 based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, heart disease remains on the CDC’s list of the five leading preventable causes of death. Importantly, that data was published in 2017 and pre-dates the current COVID-19 pandemic which has resulted in a decline in physician office visits, reduced levels of treatment for chronic diseases and also the emergence of COVID cardiac co-morbidities. As a result, while we have made progress, we have a long way to go. As you will learn, both where we live and how we live are substantially influential in your risk of heart disease and how often the physicians you call on are likely to encounter elevated cholesterol and increased risk of heart disease. Let’s look at some facts and see where they lead us.
Read Jim Poggi’s latest Physician Office Lab column HERE.