Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Pharmacists May Help Detect High Cholesterol Levels

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In honor of Cholesterol Education Month, The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) would like to highlight the increasing role of the pharmacist in communities nationwide. In many areas, pharmacists are able to offer cholesterol and blood pressure screenings, as well as other detection and prevention services to help a patient manage their healthcare and get the most out the medications they may be taking. "Regular cholesterol screenings are an essential component of maintaining a healthy heart and lifestyle," stated APhA CEO and Executive Vice President Thomas Menighan. "Pharmacists are in an exceptional position to provide these vital services, as they practice among the general public on a daily basis. The pharmacist is able to listen to consumers, hear their needs and advise at-risk patients on services, screenings or further follow-up they may need from a healthcare provider." Heart disease is currently the number one killer of women and men in the United States. Each year, more than 1 million Americans have a heart attack and about a half million die from heart disease. High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease.

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