CVD-1. High Cholesterol Testing

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: C-Reactive Protein, Cardio CRP, Cardio hs-CRP, CRP, High Sensitivity CRP, High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein, High-sensitivity CRP, Highly Sensitive CRP, hsCRP, Ultra-sensitive CRP

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.

Also known as: Lipid Panel with Ratios (fasting), Lipid Profile with Ratios (fasting), Lipids

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

LDL-Cholesterol

LDL/HDL Ratio

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 CVD-1. High Cholesterol Testing panel contains 2 tests with 8 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The CVD-1 High Cholesterol Testing panel is an essential set of screenings designed to evaluate cardiovascular health and risk factors associated with heart disease. This panel includes tests for high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) and a comprehensive Lipid Panel with Ratios. It serves as a foundational tool for identifying individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly those related to cholesterol levels and inflammation, which are significant contributors to heart disease.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: Patient should be fasting 9-12 hours prior to collection.

When and Why the CVD-1 Panel May Be Ordered

The CVD-1 High Cholesterol Testing panel may be ordered as part of a routine health check-up, especially for individuals with a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or other risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or smoking. It is also commonly recommended for individuals who have already been diagnosed with heart disease or have experienced events such as heart attacks or strokes, to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and lifestyle modifications.

What the CVD-1 Panel Checks For

  • hs-CRP: This test measures the level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in the blood, which can indicate inflammation in the body. Elevated hs-CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as inflammation plays a significant role in the development of atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in the arteries).

  • Lipid Panel with Ratios: This comprehensive test measures total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol), LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol), and triglycerides. It also includes ratios such as the total cholesterol to HDL ratio, which can provide further insight into cardiovascular risk. The lipid panel is a crucial component in assessing the risk of heart disease and guiding treatment decisions.

Enhancing Your Cardiovascular Health Assessment

For individuals seeking a more detailed assessment of their cardiovascular health, moving beyond the CVD-1 High Cholesterol Testing panel to the more comprehensive panels like CVD-2, CVD-3, and CVD-4 can provide deeper insights and more specific risk stratification.

CVD-2 High Cholesterol Testing Panel

The CVD-2 panel builds upon CVD-1 by adding Apolipoprotein A1, Apolipoprotein B, Lipoprotein (a), Cardio IQ™ Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility, and VLDL Cholesterol tests. These additional tests offer a more nuanced view of lipoprotein particles and their subclasses, which can be crucial in understanding individual risk factors and tailoring more specific treatment strategies.

CVD-3 High Cholesterol Testing Panel

Further expanding on CVD-2, the CVD-3 panel includes Direct LDL and LP-PLA2 Activity tests. Direct LDL provides a more accurate measurement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, crucial for individuals with high triglyceride levels. LP-PLA2 Activity is a marker of vascular inflammation, offering additional risk assessment for cardiovascular events.

CVD-4 High Cholesterol Testing Panel

The CVD-4 panel is the most comprehensive, incorporating the Cardio IQ™ ApoE Genotype test. This genetic test can provide information on an individual's genetic predisposition to developing high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease, allowing for highly personalized treatment and preventive strategies.

Conditions Detected by the CVD-1 Panel

The CVD-1 High Cholesterol Testing panel is instrumental in detecting and managing conditions related to cardiovascular health:

  • Cardiovascular Disease: Elevated cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol, and inflammation as indicated by hs-CRP, are significant risk factors for the development of heart disease, including coronary artery disease and stroke.

  • Inflammatory Conditions: An elevated hs-CRP level can also suggest systemic inflammation, which may be linked to a variety of conditions beyond cardiovascular disease, including infections and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Using CVD-1 Panel Results in Treatment and Monitoring

Healthcare professionals use the results from the CVD-1 High Cholesterol Testing panel to:

  • Guide Treatment for High Cholesterol: Depending on the lipid panel results, treatment may involve lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and medications like statins to lower cholesterol levels.

  • Assess Cardiovascular Risk: Elevated hs-CRP levels, in conjunction with lipid panel results, can help in assessing the risk of cardiovascular events, guiding preventive strategies and interventions.

The CVD-1 High Cholesterol Testing panel offers a fundamental evaluation of key factors contributing to cardiovascular health, including cholesterol levels and inflammation. It serves as a critical tool for early detection, risk assessment, and the guidance of treatment strategies to prevent heart disease. For those looking to delve deeper into their cardiovascular health, the subsequent panels—CVD-2, CVD-3, and CVD-4—provide expanded testing for a more comprehensive risk assessment and personalized approach to cardiovascular health management.

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

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