Statin Check-Up Panel

Statin drugs are medicines that help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in the blood. LDL helps cause atherosclerosis, a hardening of the veins that leads to plaques build-up and heart attacks. This blood test is used to monitor statin effects.

This statin panel includes the following tests:

• Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Testing)
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT)
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
• C-Reactive Protein (CRP), High Sensitivity (Cardiac Risk Assessment)

Lipids are various forms of fat in the body and include cholesterol types. Higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, also known as "bad cholesterol") are associated with increased risk of heart attack.

LDL helps cause atherosclerosis, a hardening of the veins that leads to plaques build-up and heart attacks.

The lipid panel measures levels of:

• Total Cholesterol
• HDL - "Good Cholesterol"
• LDL - "Bad Cholesterol"
• Triglycerides

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT) is an enzyme in the blood, it is measured to help determine liver disease or damage.

The ALT test is also used to:

• Monitor effects of medicines that can harm the liver
• Check for liver damage
• Determine if jaundice is caused by liver disease or a blood disorder
• Identify diseases of the liver, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis caused by alcohol, drugs or viruses

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. CoQ10 is found in every cell of the body. It is used to create energy needed for cell growth and repair.

Deficient Coenzyme Q10 levels can lead to:

• High blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Chest pain
• Increased/Chronic pain
• Lethargy/Fatigue
• Irritability
• Depression
• Weakened immune system

Major dietary sources of Coenzyme Q10 are:

• Organ meats
• Beef
• Oily fish
• Oils; from soy, canola, nuts
• Peanuts
• Whole grains

C-Reactive Protein (CRP), High Sensitivity (Cardiac Risk Assessment): This test measures levels of sensitive proteins (CRP) to assess the risk of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease because these proteins increase with inflammation. CRP tests are used as indicators for a wide range of disease processes alongside a complete clinical history. Tissue injuries, infections and inflammation can cause elevated CRP levels.