For people who are needle-shy, a new skin test may provide needed information about cholesterol levels. The test can identify people at risk for stroke and heart attacks but who have no symptoms.James H. Stein, who studied the skin test, tells WebMD that it is not intended to replace the blood cholesterol test, “but it is a way to bring heart disease risk assessment back into the doctor’s office.” He says when doctors suspect patients may be at risk for atherosclerosis, “they are sent out for more studies and further risk assessment.” Atherosclerosis is narrowed and hardened blood vessels caused by the buildup of cholesterol-rich plaque in vessel walls. When atherosclerotic plaque dislodges it blocks blood flow and results in heart attacks and strokes. Within minutes the skin test will provide information about the patient’s risk for atherosclerosis. The doctor can then sit with the patient and discuss strategies to reduce cholesterol, he says.The results of studies on the skin test, called PREVU marketed by McNeil Consumer Health Care, were presented Monday at the American College of Cardiology 2005 Scientific Session.
