Cholesterol Tests (cont.)
Medical Author:
Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM
Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEMDr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Medical Editor:
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhDDr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications. IN THIS ARTICLERisksThere is little risk associated with blood tests Bruising at the site where the blood was drawn may occur. This occurs normally any time a vein is damaged. People who are taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or prasugrel (Effient) may need to hold extra pressure at the puncture site to allow the bleeding to stop. Rarely, an infection may occur. This may present with pain, rednesss, swelling, and streaking up the arm towards the armpit. Some people may feel lightheaded during or after having a blood sample taken. This is due to a vasovagal reaction, or near faint, in which the heart rate slows and blood vessels dilate (due to stimulation of the vagus nerve). This passes very quickly and is usually treated by lying down and resting for a few minutes. Must Read Articles Related to Cholesterol Tests
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Cholesterol embolism syndrome should be suspected in a patient who develops worsening renal function, hypertension, distal ischemia, or acute multisystem dysfunction after an invasive arterial procedure.
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