Risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) is directly related to blood
cholesterol levels. 46% of deaths resulting from CHD are caused by
raised blood cholesterol. Cholesterol levels can be affected by a
range of factors including genetic predisposition, diet and exercise.

Total cholesterol is comprised of two substances, high-density
lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). HDL is important
in removing cholesterol from the blood via the liver and low levels of
HDL are linked to increased CHD risk. LDL is the harmful form of
cholesterol and elevated LDL is linked to increased risk of CHD.

Cholesterol

The incidence of elevated cholesterol closely reflects the numbers of overweight people. With more than 50% of the Western population now overweight, high cholesterol is an increasing healthcare concern.

Read about
cholesterol

Cholesterol Management

SSt will enable people to monitor themselves for high cholesterol and assist those taking steps to reduce their cholesterol levels.
SSt and
cholesterol

Measurement of LDL and HDL must be performed in a clinical
setting and this is a major barrier to screening. Access to testing
is also a barrier to monitoring for those on statin therapy and for
people following a lifestyle programme for cholesterol control.

Total cholesterol is easier and less costly to perform in a near
patient setting. The American Heart Association and other
organisations recommend total cholesterol
testing to provide valuable information for the management of
cholesterol levels. SSt will initially provide a simple means of
monitoring total cholesterol for screening and for monitoring of
cholesterol therapy.