Both the RPR and VLDR tests use blood as the specimen to detect syphilis. However, in the late stages of syphilis, it involves the central nervous system or what is termed as neurosyphilis. A VDLR is the only test that can be performed using CSF or cerebrospinal fluid.
Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods. Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the bad cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, apples, pears, barley and prunes. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Five to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases your total and LDL cholesterol. Eating 1 1/2 cups of cooked oatmeal provides 6 grams of fiber. If you add fruit, such as bananas, you'll add about 4 more grams of fiber. To mix it up a little, try steel-cut oatmeal or cold cereal made with oatmeal or oat bran.
Diet. In order to lower LDL cholesterol, reduce saturated fat in your diet and increase dietary fiber. Saturated fats increase the bodyâs production of LDL cholesterol. Dr. Gianos says to cut saturated fat to less than 10 grams per day, and to eat 30 grams of fiber per day, 10 grams of which should be insoluble fiber.DL helps protect you from heart disease, so if your levels are low, your risk is higher. Diet and Exercise. Doctors say that you can lower your cholesterol levels by as much as 20 percent in three to six months, through simple dietary changes and exercise.