Advanced Lipid Panel, Cardio IQ

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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.

Also known as: CARDIO IQR ADVANCED LIPID PANEL, Lipids

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

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.

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.
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The Advanced Lipid Panel, Cardio IQ test contains 1 test with 14 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel is an advanced blood test used to assess an individual's lipid profile with more comprehensive information than a standard lipid panel. It provides detailed insights into different types of cholesterol and lipoprotein particles, which can help healthcare providers evaluate cardiovascular health and assess the risk of heart disease.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

This is a Cardio IQ™ test and will likely need an additional 5-7 days for processing.

When and Why a Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel Test May Be Ordered:

A healthcare provider may order a Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test in the following scenarios:

  1. Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: It is ordered as part of routine health check-ups or when a person has risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, family history of heart disease, or diabetes.

  2. Monitoring Treatment Progress: For individuals on lipid-lowering medications or lifestyle modifications, this test can help monitor the effectiveness of interventions.

  3. Assessment of Complex Lipid Disorders: In cases where standard lipid panels provide inconclusive results or when a patient has complex lipid disorders, this test can offer more detailed information.

What a Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel Test Checks For:

The Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test checks for the following parameters:

  1. Total Cholesterol: The total amount of cholesterol in the blood, which includes both LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.

  2. LDL Cholesterol: Known as "bad" cholesterol, high levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

  3. HDL Cholesterol: Known as "good" cholesterol, higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

  4. Triglycerides: A type of fat found in the blood, elevated levels can be linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

  5. Non-HDL Cholesterol: Calculated by subtracting HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol, it provides additional information on atherogenic lipoproteins.

  6. LDL Particle Number and Size: Evaluates the number and size of LDL particles, which can influence cardiovascular risk.

  7. Apolipoprotein B: Measures the level of Apolipoprotein B, a protein that is a component of LDL particles. Higher levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

  8. Lipoprotein(a): Measures the level of lipoprotein(a), which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

Other Lab Tests That May Be Ordered Alongside a Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel Test:

When a Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of cardiovascular risk and metabolic health. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:

  1. High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP):

    • Purpose: To measure CRP, a marker of inflammation in the body.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Elevated hs-CRP is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Inflammation plays a key role in atherosclerosis.

  2. Glucose and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c):

    • Purpose: To measure blood sugar levels and assess for diabetes or pre-diabetes.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Diabetes significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and can affect lipid metabolism.

  3. Liver Function Test:

    • Purpose: To assess liver health.
    • Why Is It Ordered: The liver plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism, and liver diseases can affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

  4. Thyroid Function Test:

    • Purpose: To assess thyroid function.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Thyroid disorders, especially hypothyroidism, can lead to abnormal lipid levels.

  5. Kidney Function Test:

    • Purpose: To evaluate kidney function.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Kidney disease can affect lipid levels and overall cardiovascular risk.

  6. Apolipoproteins A1 and B:

    • Purpose: To measure levels of ApoA1 and ApoB, proteins associated with HDL and LDL particles, respectively.
    • Why Is It Ordered: These provide additional information about lipid particles. ApoB, in particular, is a marker of atherogenic lipoprotein particles.

These tests, when ordered alongside a Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel, provide a comprehensive view of an individual’s lipid profile and cardiovascular risk. They help in identifying and managing conditions that affect heart health, such as dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s risk factors, symptoms, and overall health status.

Conditions or Diseases That Would Require a Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel Test:

The Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test is particularly useful for assessing cardiovascular risk in individuals with:

  1. Hyperlipidemia: High cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

  2. History of Cardiovascular Disease: Individuals with a history of heart attacks, strokes, or other heart-related conditions.

  3. Family History of Hyperlipidemia or Heart Disease: When there is a family history of lipid disorders or heart disease.

How Health Care Providers Use the Results of a Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel Test:

Healthcare providers use the results of the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test to:

  1. Assess Cardiovascular Risk: The test provides detailed information on various cholesterol and lipoprotein parameters, helping to evaluate the risk of heart disease.

  2. Guide Treatment Decisions: Based on the lipid profile, healthcare providers can recommend lifestyle changes, lipid-lowering medications, or other interventions to manage cardiovascular risk.

  3. Monitor Progress: For individuals undergoing treatment for lipid disorders, the test helps monitor the effectiveness of interventions and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

  4. Personalize Treatment Plans: The advanced lipid profile allows for a more personalized approach to managing cardiovascular risk based on individual lipid profiles.

In summary, the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel is a powerful tool for assessing cardiovascular risk and guiding treatment decisions. It provides comprehensive information on lipid levels and lipoprotein particles, assisting healthcare providers in identifying individuals at higher risk for heart disease and tailoring treatment plans accordingly.

Most Common Questions About the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test:

Understanding the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel Test

What is the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test?

The Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test is a comprehensive blood test that provides a more in-depth look at your cholesterol levels than a basic lipid panel. It measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and also includes other advanced lipid markers, such as lipoprotein (a), apolipoprotein B, and the LDL particle number, to assess cardiovascular risk more thoroughly.

Why would a healthcare provider order the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test?

A healthcare provider may order this test for patients who have a personal or family history of heart disease or high cholesterol, or for those who need more detailed information about their cholesterol levels beyond what a standard lipid panel provides.

How does the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test contribute to understanding my overall health?

The test gives a more detailed view of your cholesterol and related markers, which can help identify if you're at risk for developing atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in your arteries), heart disease, or other cardiovascular conditions.

Interpreting Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel Test Results

What do elevated levels of LDL particles mean in a Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test?

Elevated levels of LDL particles may suggest a higher risk of heart disease, even if your overall LDL cholesterol levels are normal. Each LDL particle carries a certain amount of cholesterol, so more LDL particles mean more cholesterol can potentially enter your artery walls and form plaque.

What does an elevated lipoprotein(a) level mean in a Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test?

Lipoprotein(a) is a type of LDL cholesterol that is linked to a higher risk of heart disease. It's largely determined by genetics and isn't easily modified by lifestyle changes or most lipid-lowering medications.

What is the significance of the apolipoprotein B level in the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test?

Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is a protein found on the surface of many lipoproteins. It is often measured as it reflects the total number of atherogenic (potentially plaque-causing) particles, which includes LDL, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL). High levels of apoB suggest an increased risk of heart disease.

Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel Test and Specific Health Conditions

Can the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test be used to monitor treatment for high cholesterol?

Yes, this test can be useful in monitoring the effectiveness of lifestyle modifications or cholesterol-lowering medications by providing a more detailed understanding of cholesterol-related markers and their response to treatment.

Can the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test be used to determine the risk of heart disease?

Yes, this test is designed to provide a more in-depth analysis of cardiovascular risk by assessing numerous cholesterol-related markers, many of which are associated with a higher risk of heart disease.

The Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel Test and Lifestyle

Can lifestyle modifications affect the results of a Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test?

Absolutely. Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can all have positive impacts on the levels of cholesterol and other lipids in your blood.

Are there specific dietary requirements before taking the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test?

Unlike basic lipid panels, the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test does not necessarily require fasting. However, your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions based on your individual health status and the specific components of the test being utilized.

The Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel Test and Other Diagnostic Tools

How does the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test differ from a standard lipid panel?

While a standard lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test provides additional measures including LDL particle number, lipoprotein (a), and apolipoprotein B. These additional measures can provide a more comprehensive assessment of heart disease risk.

Can the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test replace other heart disease risk assessments?

No, the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test is not intended to replace other risk assessments, but to complement them. It can provide additional information that, when combined with traditional risk factors (such as age, sex, blood pressure, and smoking status), can give a more accurate estimation of heart disease risk.

Clinical Guidelines and Recommendations

What are the recommendations regarding the use of the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test?

Professional organizations like the American Heart Association and the National Lipid Association may recommend advanced lipid testing, including the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel, in certain high-risk populations or in people with certain conditions, like diabetes or a family history of early heart disease.

Can the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test be used to assess the risk of conditions other than heart disease?

While the test is primarily designed to assess the risk of heart disease, the information it provides about your cholesterol levels may also be useful in assessing the risk of other conditions related to high cholesterol, such as stroke.

How often should the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test be repeated?

The frequency of this test will depend on your initial results and your doctor's recommendations. If you have high cholesterol or other risk factors for heart disease, you may need to have this test done more frequently to monitor your condition.

Can the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test be used in elderly patients?

Yes, the test can be used in elderly patients. In fact, it may be particularly useful in this population, as the risk of heart disease increases with age.

Can the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test help assess the risk of heart disease in women?

Yes, this test can be used in women to assess their risk of heart disease. It is worth noting that while men tend to have a higher risk of heart disease at an earlier age, women's risk increases significantly after menopause.

Can the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test be used in people with diabetes?

Yes, people with diabetes often have unique cholesterol problems, including small, dense LDL particles and high triglycerides. The Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test can provide more detailed information about these and other cholesterol-related markers in people with diabetes.

Can the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test be used in people with thyroid disorders?

Yes, people with hypothyroidism often have high cholesterol, and people with hyperthyroidism often have low cholesterol. This test can be useful in monitoring these conditions.

Research and Future Directions

Are there new markers of cardiovascular disease being considered for future versions of the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test?

Research into cardiovascular disease markers is ongoing, and it's possible that new markers could be added to future versions of this test.

How might emerging research on genetics and personalized medicine influence the use of the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test?

Research on genetics and personalized medicine could make tests like the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel even more useful. For example, understanding how specific genetic variants influence cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk could help tailor prevention and treatment strategies.

How might future technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, impact the interpretation of the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test results?

As artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies continue to advance, they may aid in the interpretation of complex test results like those from the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel. These technologies could help identify patterns and correlations that may not be immediately obvious to humans, potentially improving our understanding of heart disease risk.

What is the role of the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test in preventive medicine?

In preventive medicine, the goal is to identify risk factors for disease and address them before disease develops. The Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test can help identify elevated cholesterol levels and other lipid abnormalities that are risk factors for heart disease, providing an opportunity to intervene with lifestyle changes or medication.

How can the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel test contribute to population health management?

At the population level, this test can help identify trends and patterns in heart disease risk. This information can guide public health interventions, such as education campaigns about heart-healthy lifestyles, and inform healthcare policy decisions.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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