Learning your cholesterol levels could help reduce your risk of life-changing conditions such as a heart attack or stroke. Knowing your levels can prompt you to get the treatment you need.

According to the American Heart Association, almost 107 million American adults have high cholesterol. In addition, 23 percent of Americans do not know their cholesterol level, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Because high cholesterol does not have any symptoms, it is important for all adults, and especially those with known risk factors, to have their physician review and monitor their cholesterol levels.

Fortunately, there are ways to take a more active role and track your cholesterol levels at home between doctor visits. CardioChek(r) enables you to measure total cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol or triglycerides, quickly and easily. Popular Science magazine selected the device as one of the top 10 personal health product innovations of 2006.

Guidelines established by the National Cholesterol Education Program for adults state that total cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or higher are considered exceptionally high risk. Borderline-high risk levels range from 200 to 239 mg/dL and anything under 200 mg/dL is considered desirable.

The battery-operated system is easy to use. Simply insert the strip into the meter, prick a finger with the included lancet, place a drop of blood onto the color-coded test strip with the accompanying pipet, and in about two minutes you will have the results. 

The analyzer can store up to 30 results for future comparison and tracking. Plus, it can be programmed in multiple languages.

The manufacturer of the system, Polymer Technology Systems, Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., distributes a device for physicians and other health care professionals that tests for LDL ("bad") cholesterol. It eliminates the need for patients to fast prior to testing and wait for the results from the laboratory.

The CardioChek is available at CVS and other retail pharmacies and on the Web. PTS Panels(r) Total Cholesterol, HDL and/or Triglycerides Test Strips must be purchased separately.

For more information, please visit www.cardiochek.com or call PTS Customer Service (877) 870-5610. (NAPSA)

Everyone should be concerned about his or her cholesterol.