Novartis Ireland announced a new partnership with LetsGetChecked, a global healthcare solutions company, to explore novel solutions for challenges in healthcare. As part of the partnership, Novartis will offered its 1,000 staff in Dublin LetsGetChecked Cholesterol testing.
LetsGetChecked’s Cholesterol testing now includes Lipoprotein(a), more commonly known as Lp(a). Lp(a) is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol through your bloodstream to the cells in your arteries. Despite 1 in 5 people being affected by elevated Lp(a), Lp(a) is not routinely included in standard lipid tests, despite elevated Lp(a) being a key marker of an increased risk for cardiovascular disease such as heart disease and stroke.1
Approximately 9,000 people die from cardiovascular disease each year in Ireland.2 While elevated levels of Lp(a) may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, it does not guarantee that it will develop. Other key risk factors include high LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, being overweight or physically inactive and smoking.
Lp(a) levels are largely determined by genetic factors (70-90%), with minimal influence from dietary or other behavioural factors.1,3 However, lifestyle factors such as a healthy diet and exercise as well as managing conditions such as high blood pressure and high LDL cholesterol are essential in reducing the overall risk of cardiovascular disease.
LetsGetChecked’s Cholesterol testing with at-home sample collection provides employers like Novartis with the opportunity to offer their staff an overview of key biomarkers of health, which are not regularly available.
Commenting on the partnership, Caitriona Walsh, Novartis Ireland Country President, said: “Novartis is delighted to partner with LetsGetChecked. Significant challenges exist in healthcare systems around the world, with ageing populations and limited resources. Ireland is home to thriving pharma, and technology sectors, which means we are ideally placed to work together to find novel solutions to address healthcare challenges. Our collaboration with LetsGetChecked is one example of how we can use technology to raise awareness and potentially prevent future cardiac events.”
Dr. Robert Mordkin, LetsGetChecked’s Chief Medical Officer, added: “LetsGetChecked empowers individuals to manage their health from home. Our innovative solutions provide accessible and comprehensive health insights to enable early detection and proactive health management.”
