I noted in my last newsletter that oxidized cholesterol is 500 times more atherogenic than non-oxidized cholesterol. Dr. Overberg informed me that any MD can now order a test for oxidized cholesterol if he has a lab account with Quest lab. He will have to specify that the test is done by their subsidiary Cleveland Heart labs. This test can provide a helpful yardstick for prevention of heart disease and may save many the damaging effects of using statin medications where they may not be necessary or helpful.
CPT Code: 83520
Order Code: C335
Synonyms: Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein; Oxidized LDL
Clinical Significance: The oxidized LDL test may be ordered for individuals at low or intermediate risk of metabolic syndrome or cardiovascular disease. In addition, this test is useful in individuals who have cardiovascular disease and are at risk for an adverse cardiac event.
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