LDL Particle Test Gains Support

Some doctors are using an extra blood test to help assess who needs treatment for cholesterol problems. The Associated Press (AP) wrote about the test October 25. The test counts the particles that carry LDL — the so-called bad cholesterol — in the blood. LDL can be contained in many small particles or fewer large ones. The small ones are more likely to build up inside artery walls. The National Lipid Association, a group of doctors who treat cholesterol problems, has looked at use of the particle tests. This month, a committee of this group said the tests would be reasonable to use for some patients. They could help doctors to decide who should start drug treatment or increase it to lower LDL. But some experts say current tests are enough, AP said. They say that particle levels usually reflect overall LDL levels. Doctors also can look at non-HDL cholesterol.