All Heart and Cardiovascular Tests

Heart and cardiovascular tests give you a clear picture of the factors that drive long-term risk and day-to-day symptoms. These labs evaluate cholesterol patterns and particle number, genetic lipoproteins, inflammation, blood-sugar control, kidney health, and cardiac-strain or injury markers.

Use this page to build a right-sized panel. Start with a standard lipid panel and A1c or fasting glucose, then refine risk with ApoB (particle number), lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] (genetic risk), and hs-CRP (low-grade inflammation). Add creatinine/eGFR and urine albumin-creatinine for vascular-kidney context. For symptoms of fluid overload, NT-proBNP/BNP helps; for urgent chest-pain evaluations, troponin is used.
These labs support screening, diagnostic work-ups, and monitoring, but they do not replace blood-pressure checks, ECGs, or imaging such as coronary artery calcium scans, echocardiography, or stress testing when indicated.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

Prevention & baseline: family history of early heart attack or stroke; high LDL or triglycerides; diabetes/prediabetes; high blood pressure; chronic kidney disease; nicotine exposure.
Possible heart symptoms: chest pressure/tightness; breathlessness with activity or lying flat; ankle swelling; palpitations; reduced exercise tolerance.
Therapy & lifestyle checkpoints: limited response or intolerance to lipid-lowering therapy; starting a fitness or nutrition plan; weight-management programs.
Stroke & clotting context: TIA symptoms, atrial fibrillation, prior clotting or bleeding history (clinician-guided testing).
Urgent care now: new or crushing chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, one-sided weakness, or trouble speaking.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

Refine risk beyond basic cholesterol using ApoB, Lp(a), and hs-CRP.
Clarify contributors to symptoms and safety (electrolytes, kidney function, anemia, thyroid).
Track trends after lifestyle changes or medication adjustments to confirm progress.

What testing cannot do

Diagnose blocked arteries or valve disease—imaging and ECGs are still required.
Replace blood-pressure control, rhythm evaluation, or emergency care for acute symptoms.
Predict events with certainty from a single number; context and trends matter most.

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

Lipid Panel (TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, TG) & non-HDL-C: core cholesterol snapshot; non-HDL-C reflects all atherogenic cholesterol.
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): counts all atherogenic particles (VLDL remnants, IDL, LDL, Lp(a)); helpful when triglycerides are high or LDL-C seems discordant with risk.
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]: genetically determined and largely lifelong; adds risk for coronary disease and calcific aortic valve disease.
LDL Particle Number/Size (LDL-P, subfractions): particle burden and distribution; particle number usually carries the most weight.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP): low-grade inflammation marker; interpret trends—illness and hard workouts can raise it temporarily.
A1c & Fasting Glucose (± Insulin): glycemic control and insulin-resistance context.
Kidney Markers: Creatinine/eGFR and urine albumin-creatinine (ACR); kidney health signals vascular risk.
NT-proBNP/BNP: peptides released with heart-wall stretch; aid in evaluating heart-failure physiology and tracking congestion.
High-sensitivity Troponin: detects acute heart-muscle injury; used for urgent, symptom-driven evaluations, not routine screening.
Contextual adds (as directed): ApoA-I, remnant cholesterol (RLP-C), Lp-PLA2, homocysteine, TSH, CBC, magnesium.

Quick Build Guide

Goal	Start with	Add if needed
General prevention	Lipid Panel • A1c/Glucose	non-HDL-C • hs-CRP
Strong family history	Lipid Panel • A1c	ApoB • Lp(a)
High TG / metabolic syndrome / diabetes	Lipid Panel • A1c	ApoB • LDL-P/subfractions • RLP-C • hs-CRP
CKD or hypertension	Lipid Panel • A1c	Urine ACR • eGFR • hs-CRP
Heart-failure signs	CMP/electrolytes	NT-proBNP/BNP • CBC • iron studies • TSH
Possible acute chest pain	(Labs don’t rule out MI)	Troponin per clinician + urgent evaluation
Stroke/TIA context	Lipids • A1c • CBC/CMP	ApoB • Lp(a) • PT/INR/aPTT (clinician-directed)

How the Testing Process Works

Choose your panel: begin with lipids + A1c/Glucose; add ApoB, Lp(a), and hs-CRP for a sharper risk picture.
Prepare for accuracy: follow any fasting instructions; schedule on a recovery day; keep supplements consistent unless your order lists holds (biotin can affect some assays).
Get your draw: visit a nearby patient service center; most results post within a few days.
Review with your clinician: combine labs with blood pressure, history, exam, ECGs, and imaging (e.g., coronary calcium or echocardiogram) when appropriate.
Track trends: repeat on a personalized cadence, especially after lifestyle or medication changes.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

LDL-C & non-HDL-C: lower values generally reduce risk; non-HDL-C captures all atherogenic cholesterol.
ApoB / LDL-P: higher numbers = more particles that can enter artery walls; particularly useful when LDL-C looks “fine” but risk is high.
Lp(a): treat elevated levels as added lifetime risk; values are largely genetic and stable.
hs-CRP: emphasize trends; retest after illness or tough training to avoid false spikes.
Kidney & glycemic markers: better glucose control and kidney health lower vascular risk.
NT-proBNP/BNP & Troponin: interpret with symptoms and clinician guidance; do not self-diagnose from a single result.
Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

Starter set: Lipid Panel + non-HDL-C + A1c/Glucose
Risk refinement: ApoB + Lp(a) + hs-CRP (± LDL-P/subfractions)
Vascular-kidney context: Creatinine/eGFR + Urine ACR
Symptom-guided adds: NT-proBNP/BNP (fluid/strain) • Troponin (acute chest-pain pathway)
Additional context (clinician-directed): ApoA-I, RLP-C, Lp-PLA2, homocysteine, TSH, CBC

FAQs

Do I need to fast?
Follow your order. Many lipid tests can be non-fasting, but fasting is common and helpful when triglycerides run high.

If my LDL-C is normal, do I still need ApoB?
Possibly. ApoB can reveal high particle number even when LDL-C appears acceptable, especially with high triglycerides or strong family risk.

What is Lp(a)?
A genetic lipoprotein that increases lifetime risk for heart attack and calcific aortic valve disease; one measurement is often informative.

Does hs-CRP replace cholesterol testing?
No. It complements lipids by reflecting inflammation. Use it alongside cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure.

Can exercise affect results?
Yes. Hard workouts and illness can temporarily raise hs-CRP and shift triglycerides. Aim for a recovery-day draw.

How often should I repeat testing?
Commonly every 3–12 months, depending on goals and therapy. Your clinician will tailor timing.

Related Categories & Key Tests

Heart & Cardiovascular Tests Hub
Cholesterol Tests • Cardio IQ Tests • Coronary Artery Disease Tests • Heart Attack Risk Tests • Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Tests • High Blood Pressure Tests • Stroke Tests • Vasculitis Tests • Diabetes & Insulin Resistance • Kidney Health
Key Tests: Lipid Panel • non-HDL-C • ApoB • Lp(a) • LDL Particle Number/Size • hs-CRP • A1c/Glucose (± Insulin) • Creatinine/eGFR • Urine Albumin-Creatinine • NT-proBNP/BNP • Troponin • ApoA-I • RLP-C • Lp-PLA2 • TSH • CBC

References

American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association — Cholesterol and primary prevention guidelines.
National Lipid Association — Scientific statements on ApoB, Lp(a), and advanced lipoproteins.
European Atherosclerosis Society — Consensus on Lp(a).
AHA/CDC — Inflammation markers and cardiovascular risk resources.
KDIGO — Kidney disease and albumin-creatinine testing guidance.
Heart Failure Society of America — Biomarkers in heart failure and monitoring.

Available Tests & Panels

Your All Heart and Cardiovascular Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with a core risk panel (lipids and A1c), add ApoB, Lp(a), and hs-CRP to refine risk, include kidney markers for vascular context, and use NT-proBNP/BNP or troponin when symptoms guide that choice. Follow any fasting/supplement instructions and review results with your clinician to personalize prevention and follow-up.

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Lipoprotein Fractionation Test, NMR

The NMR Lipoprotein Fractionation Test uses nuclear magnetic resonance to measure particle size and concentration of LDL, HDL, and VLDL cholesterol. Unlike a standard lipid panel, it provides detailed information on lipoprotein subfractions linked to cardiovascular risk. Doctors use this test to assess heart disease risk, guide cholesterol management, and monitor therapy effectiveness. It offers deeper insight into lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health.

Specimen Type: Serum

Collection: Phlebotomist

Also Known As: NMR Test, LDL Particle Testing, LDL Subclass Test, LDL Fractionations Test

$171.60
$45.95
Save: 73.22%
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Cardio IQ™ Lp-PLA2 PLAC® Test

The Cardio IQ™ Lp-PLA2 PLAC® Test measures lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, an enzyme linked to vascular inflammation and plaque instability. Elevated levels are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke. Doctors use this blood test to assess cardiovascular risk beyond standard cholesterol testing, helping guide prevention and treatment strategies to reduce risk of heart attack or stroke.

Also Known As: LpPLA2 Test, Ps-PLA2 Activity Test, Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Test

$299.99
$86.95
Save: 71.02%
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Cardio IQ™ LPA Aspirin Genotype Test

The Cardio IQ™ LPA Aspirin Genotype Test analyzes genetic variants in the LPA gene that influence lipoprotein(a) levels and response to aspirin therapy. Elevated lipoprotein(a) is a recognized cardiovascular risk factor, and genetic testing helps identify individuals whose genotype may limit aspirin’s protective effect. This test provides insight into personalized cardiovascular risk assessment and precision prevention strategies.

Specimen Type: Blood

Collection: Phlebotomist

$203.00
$178.95
Save: 11.85%
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Cardio IQ™ LPA Intron-25 Genotype Test

The Cardio IQ™ LPA Intron-25 Genotype Test identifies genetic variants within the LPA gene intron-25 region associated with elevated lipoprotein(a) levels and cardiovascular risk. By detecting these polymorphisms, the test provides insight into inherited predisposition to atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and stroke, helping clinicians evaluate genetic contributions to lipid metabolism and cardiovascular disease risk.

Specimen Type: Blood

Collection: Phlebotomist

$203.00
$178.95
Save: 11.85%
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Cardio IQ™ NT-proBNP Test

The Cardio IQ™ NT-proBNP Test evaluates levels of NT-proBNP in blood to help assess heart function and cardiovascular stress. High concentrations are associated with heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction, and fluid imbalance. This test provides insight into cardiac performance, systemic health, and conditions such as hypertension or other disorders that impact cardiovascular risk.

Specimen Type: Serum

Collection: Phlebotomist

Also Known As: Brain Natriuretic Peptide Test, proBNP test,

$131.58
$108.95
Save: 17.20%
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Cardio IQ™ Triglycerides Test

The Cardio IQ™ Triglycerides Test measures triglyceride levels in the blood, an important marker of lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health. Elevated triglycerides are linked to increased risk of heart disease, pancreatitis, and metabolic syndrome. Physicians use this test to assess risk factors, monitor therapy response, and guide lifestyle or treatment decisions, often as part of a broader lipid or heart health evaluation.

Specimen Type: Serum

Collection: Phlebotomist

$47.01
$14.95
Save: 68.20%
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Cardio IQ™ Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy Test

The Cardio IQ Vitamin D test, also known as a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test, measures the levels of total vitamin D in the blood, including both vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). It provides information about an individual's overall vitamin D status.

Specimen Type: Serum

Collection: Phlebotomist

Also Known As: Ergocalciferol Test, Vitamin D2 Test, Cholecalciferol Test, Vitamin D3 Test, Calcidiol Test, 25-hydroxyvitamin D Test, Calcifidiol Test, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D Test

$206.86
$41.95
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Cardio Plus Blood Test Panel

Specimen Type: Blood, Serum

Collection: Phlebotomist

$144.44
$63.95
Save: 55.73%
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Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) Treatment Panel with Lipoprotein Fractionation

Specimen Type: Serum

Collection: Phlebotomist

$387.72
$236.95
Save: 38.89%
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Cardiolipin IgG IgA IgM Antibodies Test

The Cardiolipin IgG IgA IgM Antibodies Test detects autoantibodies linked to antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), a disorder that increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, and pregnancy complications. Measuring IgG, IgA, and IgM helps identify abnormal immune responses. Doctors use this test to evaluate patients with unexplained clotting, recurrent miscarriages, or autoimmune disease, guiding diagnosis and treatment of APS and related conditions.