The tubes on the right represent two different patient's blood samples. The one one the right is a normal sample with spun down red blood cell products on the bottom and a relatively clear/yellow layer of serum. The sample one the left has a milky serum that is high in cholesterol and Triglycerides (fats). A normal Triglyceride level is about 150ng/dl or less, but this person's TG's were over 1000ng/dl or nearly 10 times over the normal limit. Blood like this leads to pancreatitis, fatty liver disease, coronary artery disease and other atherosclerosis or fatty deposits within the walls of arteries. This patient is 38 years old and completely unaware that he is heading towards an early heart attack.
The take home message is go to a doctor at least once a year to get basic blood work done, check your weight and blood pressure and see if you are due for any vaccinations. Just 30 minutes once a year can make you aware of an impending health problem like this person.
What are your numbers? Find out.
www.atherotech.com
Dr.Ronan
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