Heart (Cardiovascular)

Total cholesterol numbers are part of a risk assessment for heart disease. Too much cholesterol in the blood can damage arteries and blood vessels and elevate the risk for stroke, heart attack, and heart disease. Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver to help with thousands of bodily functions, such as building cells, promoting hormone and brain function, and synthesizing vitamin D.

HDL is part of a comprehensive lipid panel, an essential risk assessment for heart disease. There are two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Think of the H as healthy, helpful, heart-supporting cholesterol that helps reduce plaque buildup.

This test is a risk marker for cardiovascular diseases. LDL is responsible for carrying cholesterol to cells. However, despite its good intentions, LDL is known as the “bad” cholesterol because, when levels are too high, it can cause the formation of plaque buildup in the arteries.

Measures the ratio of total cholesterol levels to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL).

ApoB helps transport lipids throughout the bloodstream which is vital to the health of cardiovascular function. Along with other lipid tests ApoB is a powerful risk marker for cardiovascular disease.

About 50% of people who suffer heart attacks have a normal cholesterol level. Considering this, many cardiologists believe Lp(a) to be a major driver of cardiac events. This invaluable test is used by specialists but is not yet widely adopted in primary care. Lp(a) is a genetic marker that determines risk, particularly for those with symptoms or a family history of cardiovascular disease. Lipoproteins are made of lipids (fats) and proteins (energy) and are referred to as “sticky proteins.”

hs-CRP is revelatory in one’s overall health as it relates to the risk of inflammation-related diseases. Chronic inflammation is linked to every major disease: heart disease (even before symptoms occur), type 2 diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, depression, all autoimmune diseases, and severe allergic reactions like asthma.

The ratio of triglycerides to HDL measures risk for heart disease. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body that stores excess energy from one’s diet. An accumulation of triglycerides means there is too much fat in the blood and may indicate higher risk of a cardiac event.

Measures cholesterol that is not HDL. This is a risk marker for dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome.

Large HDL particles in the blood are protective; having a higher amount is beneficial because they help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Measures the amount of medium LDL particles in the blood. Elevated medium LDL levels are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

Assesses the risk of cardiovascular disease based on cholesterol health, either Pattern A or Pattern B.

Small LDL particles in the blood are harmful, as elevated levels are linked to a higher risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

Measures the number of LDL particles, which are the carriers of cholesterol. Too many LDL particles can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Refers to the most common or average size of LDL particles in your blood. This is important because smaller LDL particles are more likely to contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.