Ulta Lab Tests

Advanced Heart Health Test Panel

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The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Apolipoprotein B

Chol/HDLC Ratio

Cholesterol, Total

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood and stick to the walls of your arteries. This is called plaque. Plaque can narrow your arteries or even block them. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. You are likely to have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight or if you eat a lot of fatty foods. You can lower your cholesterol by exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables. You also may need to take medicine to lower your cholesterol.

HDL Cholesterol

HDL Large

Hs Crp

A high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test may be used by itself, in combination with other cardiac risk markers, or in combination with a lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) test that evaluates vascular inflammation. The hs-CRP test accurately detects low concentrations of C-reactive protein to help predict a healthy person's risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). High-sensitivity CRP is promoted by some as a test for determining a person's risk level for CVD, heart attacks, and strokes. The current thinking is that hs-CRP can play a role in the evaluation process before a person develops one of these health problems.

LDL Medium

LDL Particle Number

LDL Pattern

LDL Peak Size

LDL Small

LDL-Cholesterol

Lipoprotein (A)

Lipoprotein-a, or Lp(a) are molecules made of proteins and fat. They carry cholesterol and similar substances through the blood. A high level of Lp(a) is considered a risk factor for heart disease. High levels of lipoproteins can increase the risk of heart disease. The test is done to check your risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack.

LP PLA2 ACTIVITY

Non HDL Cholesterol

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a form of fat and a major source of energy for the body. This test measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood. Most triglycerides are found in fat (adipose) tissue, but some triglycerides circulate in the blood to provide fuel for muscles to work. After a person eats, an increased level of triglycerides is found in the blood as the body converts the energy not needed right away into fat. Triglycerides move via the blood from the gut to adipose tissue for storage. In between meals, triglycerides are released from fat tissue to be used as an energy source for the body. Most triglycerides are carried in the blood by lipoproteins called very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). High levels of triglycerides in the blood are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), although the reason for this is not well understood. Certain factors can contribute to high triglyceride levels and to risk of CVD, including lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking cigarettes, consuming excess alcohol, and medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.
*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through a national lab. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

The Advanced Heart Health Test Panel test contains 1 test with 16 biomarkers .

The Advanced Heart Health Test Panel is a comprehensive suite of tests designed to evaluate a wide array of factors that contribute to cardiovascular risk. This panel goes beyond basic lipid profiling to include detailed analyses of lipoprotein particles, inflammatory markers, and other biochemical indicators that provide a deep dive into a patient's heart health. It is particularly valuable for understanding the nuanced aspects of cardiovascular risk that traditional tests may not reveal.

When and Why the Advanced Heart Health Test Panel May Be Ordered

This panel is often ordered for individuals who have a family history of heart disease, who have experienced heart problems in the past, or who exhibit multiple cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or smoking. It may also be recommended for those who have had inconclusive or borderline results from standard lipid tests. The panel helps in refining risk assessment and tailoring treatment strategies to individual needs, especially in complex cases where basic evaluations do not provide sufficient insights.

What the Advanced Heart Health Test Panel Checks For

The Advanced Heart Health Test Panel includes an array of tests that assess various aspects of cardiovascular health:

  • Lipoprotein Analysis: This includes detailed measurements of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) particles, such as their number, size, and type. Different sizes and densities of these particles have varying implications for heart disease risk.
  • Inflammatory Markers: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and Lp-PLA2 activity are tested as markers of inflammation within the body, which is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events.
  • Cholesterol Ratios and Total Levels: Total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and calculated ratios (like cholesterol to HDL ratio) provide a basic but crucial overview of lipid health.
  • Emerging Risk Factors: Tests such as Lipoprotein (a) and Apolipoprotein B are included to evaluate additional risk factors that are not typically covered in standard lipid panels but can be significant predictors of cardiovascular events.

Comprehensive Interpretation of the Advanced Heart Health Test Panel Results

The Advanced Heart Health Test Panel is a crucial tool in evaluating and managing cardiovascular risk. This panel includes a variety of biomarkers, each providing valuable insights into different aspects of heart health, such as lipid metabolism, inflammation, and lipoprotein particle behavior. Understanding the implications of high, low, or normal test results helps clinicians tailor preventive and therapeutic strategies for patients. The following table offers a detailed breakdown of what each test result might signify when out of range, and how these results, individually or in combination, can guide clinical decisions to optimize cardiovascular health outcomes.

Test High Results Indicate Low Results Indicate Normal Results Indicate
Cardio IQ® Cholesterol, Total Elevated total cholesterol can indicate increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Low total cholesterol may occur with malnutrition, hyperthyroidism, or liver disease. Within reference range suggests a balanced cholesterol production and uptake.
Cardio IQ® HDL Cholesterol Higher levels are generally protective against heart disease. Low levels are a risk factor for heart disease as HDL helps to remove LDL cholesterol from arteries. Normal HDL levels suggest a healthy balance, providing protective cardiovascular benefits.
Cardio IQ® Triglycerides High triglyceride levels can indicate an increased risk of pancreatitis and CVD. Low levels can occur due to malnutrition, malabsorption, or hyperthyroidism. Normal levels indicate a healthy metabolism of fats.
Cardio IQ® Non-HDL and Calculated Components High non-HDL cholesterol indicates a higher amount of bad cholesterol, increasing CVD risk. Low levels can suggest reduced risk of heart disease, but extremely low levels might indicate other health issues. Normal levels suggest controlled LDL and other non-HDL particles, associated with lower cardiovascular risk.
Cardio IQ® Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility Indicates the size and density of lipoproteins; small, dense LDL particles have a higher atherogenic potential. Abnormally low levels of certain lipoproteins might indicate an imbalance in lipid metabolism. Normal profiles indicate a healthy balance of lipoprotein particles size and concentration.
Cardio IQ® Apolipoprotein B High levels are strongly associated with the presence of LDL and other atherogenic particles, increasing CVD risk. Low levels might be due to genetic factors or hyperthyroidism, generally indicating lower CVD risk. Normal levels suggest a balanced level of lipoprotein particles that transport cholesterol.
Cardio IQ® Lipoprotein (a) High levels are associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis independent of other lipid levels. Low levels are typically not a concern and might even be protective against CVD. Normal levels suggest average risk related to this genetically influenced marker.
Cardio IQ® hs-CRP High-sensitivity C-reactive protein elevated levels indicate inflammation, which is linked to higher CVD risk. Low levels indicate low inflammation, suggesting lower risk of CVD. Normal levels suggest no significant inflammation, indicating lower risk of CVD.
Cardio IQ® Lp-PLA2 Activity Elevated Lp-PLA2 activity is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events due to inflammation in arteries. Low activity is generally not concerning and might indicate lower risk of inflammation-related events. Normal activity suggests a balanced enzymatic activity related to vascular inflammation.

Interpretation of Combined Test Results:

  • All or Most Results Elevated: Suggests a higher overall risk for cardiovascular diseases and conditions linked to metabolic syndrome, warranting immediate intervention and continuous monitoring.
  • Mixed Results: Can indicate varying levels of cardiovascular risk depending on which specific markers are elevated. This requires a nuanced interpretation to tailor individual treatment plans.
  • All or Most Results Normal or Low: Generally indicates a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, but continuous monitoring is recommended to maintain heart health, especially in patients with other risk factors.

This table provides a comprehensive view of how individual tests within the Advanced Heart Health Test Panel can be interpreted in the context of cardiovascular health assessment, allowing for targeted management strategies based on specific risk profiles.

Conditions and Diseases Detected by the Advanced Heart Health Test Panel

This panel is essential for diagnosing and assessing the risk of various cardiovascular conditions:

  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): By measuring aspects like LDL particle number and size, and inflammatory markers such as hs-CRP, the panel helps in detecting the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to CAD.
  • Stroke: Abnormal levels of inflammatory markers and certain lipoprotein particles increase the risk of stroke. This panel helps identify such abnormalities.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Similar to CAD, PAD can be suggested by specific patterns in lipid and protein markers that indicate poor vascular health.
  • Heart Failure: Certain markers in the panel, like elevated levels of certain lipoproteins, can indicate an increased risk of heart failure.

Utilizing the Advanced Heart Health Test Panel in Treatment and Monitoring

For each detected condition:

  • Coronary Artery Disease: The detailed lipid profiles allow clinicians to tailor lipid-lowering therapies more precisely, while inflammatory markers can guide the use of anti-inflammatory treatments.
  • Stroke: By identifying high-risk profiles early, interventions such as antihypertensives, anticoagulants, or statins can be initiated to reduce the risk of stroke.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease: Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications to improve blood flow, and interventions to lower cholesterol and inflammation based on test results.
  • Heart Failure: Early detection of risk factors enables preemptive measures to prevent heart failure or to manage it more effectively if it develops.

Conclusion

The Advanced Heart Health Test Panel is a powerful tool in cardiovascular medicine, providing a deep understanding of the factors that contribute to heart disease. By enabling a detailed assessment of lipid particles, inflammatory markers, and other cardiovascular risks, it allows healthcare providers to design personalized treatment plans that can significantly reduce the risk of heart-related conditions and improve overall patient outcomes.

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