Cholesterol Talk!

Attending normal annual Pap or medical tests does not guarantee that the doctor doing the examination may detect any harmful diseases such as heart disease, glaucoma, and more. Specific screen is considered as an extra if the person is at risk for a certain disease.

There are 4 specific medical tests that which might save your life are of the following:

1. TEST High-sensitivity C-reactive protein
   This test measures the amount of inflammation in the person’s body by examining levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) in the person’s bloodstream. The body naturally produces an inflammatory response to fight off infections and heal wounds. Too much of these though, may cause the blood vessels to harden or fat to build up in the arteries. According to a study, CRP may be a stronger predictor of heart disease compared to cholesterol and women with CRP levels which high compared to normal levels tend to suffer from cardiovascular disease than those with high cholesterol.

   Too much CRP may also cause other problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and Alzheimer’s disease. This test allows people to gauge the amount of exercise to be done a day and eat the proper meal. Proper medications may need to be taken to fight inflammation.

   WHO NEEDS IT: Women with several risk factors for heart disease, meaning those with high cholesterol (200 or more milligrams per deciliter) and blood pressure (140/90 millimeters or more of mercury) and a family history of early heart disease. Ask for the high-sensitivity CRP test rather than the standard one, which is used for diagnosing conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. The screen costs about $60 and is covered by most insurance plans.

2. TEST Audiogram
   Extra loud sounds or music produced by rock concerts, noisy traffic or headphones can break down the inner ear cells that control hearing over time. This test on the inner ear cells is administered by an audiologist.

   During the procedure, the person will be asked to react to different noises by repeating words and responding to various pitches. If there is any hearing loss, the person will be referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for an examination to pinpoint the exact cause. Causes may vary from benign tumors, ear infections, or a perforated ear drum. Hearing aids will be fitted if damage is permanent.

   WHO NEEDS IT: According to studies, by the age 40; the person should have gone through this test. Experts advise having hearing checked earlier if there are any troubles distinguishing sounds, are experiencing dizziness or a ringing sound in the ears, or have any risk factors, such as a family history of hearing loss or a job that requires working in a very loud environment.

3. TEST Glaucoma
   Glaucoma occurs when the fluid pressure in the eye rises and damages the optic nerve which causes people to lose their eyesight. It is rather hard to detect it at an early stage until nearly 80 to 90 percent of the optic nerve could have already been damaged and is affecting their vision badly.

   Protect your sight with a glaucoma check every year. It includes two tests often given at annual eye exams: tonometry and ophthalmoscopy. During a tonometry, your doctor measures the inner pressure of the eye with a puff of air or a probe. Ophthalmoscopy is used to examine the inside of the eye. The doctor will use a lighted instrument to examine the optic nerve.

   WHO NEEDS IT: Anyone can be affected by glaucoma but generally it occurs only to the elderly. About 25 percent of sufferers are under the age of 50. It is advised that adults should have their first glaucoma screenings at ages 35 and 40, but African-American and Hispanic women-or anyone with a family history of the disease should be tested every year after the age of 35 as they are at a higher risk. Though there’s no cure, glaucoma is very treatable. Once it is diagnosed, eye drops can be prescribed to prevent the damage from getting worse.

4. TEST Vitamin B12
   Vitamin B 12 is found in the blood which helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells in the body. Low levels of Vitamin B12 causes fatigue, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, weakness, loss of balance, and anemia. If it continues for a long period of time, a deficiency of this nutrient may cause depression and dementia.

   The doctor is able to prescribe high-dose supplements in pill, shot, or nasal spray form to prevent it from happening. She may also test you for pernicious anemia, a disease in which the body is unable to absorb vitamin B12 properly.

   WHO NEEDS IT: Vegetarians should consider in taking this test as vitamin B12 come from animals. A German study found that 26 percent of vegetarians and 52 percent of vegans had low B12 levels.

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