Divide over when to use in-depth cholesterol tests

UNDATED (AP) — A more in-depth test than standard cholesterol counts is sparking debate in the medical community.

The test takes a count of particles that carry bad cholesterol, or LDL, through the blood.

The standard tests include total cholesterol, LDL and the good kind, HDL.

More and more doctors are going beyond that, but cardiologists are divided over the usefulness of the approach. Proponents contend it might help them spot at-risk patients that regular checks might miss.

But the tests are pricier than regular cholesterol exams, although Medicare and many other insurers pay for them. And it's not always clear what the results mean. There's also no standardization of the test itself.

Cholesterol isn't the only factor behind heart disease. High blood pressure, smoking, obesity, diabetes or a strong family history of the disease can also put someone in the high-risk category.