CVD-3. 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.

Apolipoprotein A1

Apolipoprotein B

Apolipoprotein B/A1 Ratio

Also known as: Cholesterol, LDL, LDL, LDL Cholesterol, Direct, Low Density Lipoprotein

Direct LDL

The test for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is used as part of a lipid profile to predict an individual's risk of developing heart disease. The LDL cholesterol is considered the most important form in determining risk of heart disease. LDL values amy be used to monitor levels after the start of diet or exercise programs or to determine whether or not prescribing one of the lipid-lowering drugs, such as statins, would be useful.

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.

Also known as: Lipoprotein A, Lp (a), Lp(a)

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.

Also known as: Ion Mobility, Cardio IQ Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility , HDL Subfractions, IDL Subfractions, LDL Subfractions, Lipoprotein Fraction, Lipoprotein Fractionation, Lipoprotein Fractionation Ion Mobility Cardio IQ, Quest Diagnostics has replaced the VAP® Cholesterol Test with Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility, Cardio IQ™ test

HDL Large

LDL Medium

LDL Particle Number

LDL Pattern

LDL Peak Size

LDL Small

LP PLA2 ACTIVITY

Also known as: Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, VLDL, VLDL-C

Cholesterol, Very Low

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 CVD-3. High Cholesterol Testing panel contains 8 tests with 22 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The CVD-3 High Cholesterol Testing panel is a thorough diagnostic tool aimed at evaluating cardiovascular health by examining a broad spectrum of lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, and other specific tests related to heart disease risk. This panel includes Apolipoprotein A1, Apolipoprotein B, Direct LDL, hs-CRP, a Lipid Panel with Ratios, Lipoprotein (A), Cardio IQ™ Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility, LP PLA2 Activity, and VLDL Cholesterol. It's designed for a comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular risk factors, particularly for individuals at high risk or with existing cardiovascular conditions.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: Fasting for at least 12 hours is required.

When and Why the CVD-3 Panel May Be Ordered

The CVD-3 High Cholesterol Testing panel is often recommended for individuals with known cardiovascular diseases, those with a family history of heart disease, or individuals who have multiple cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, or smoking. It is also useful for patients whose treatment plans based on standard lipid panels require further refinement or those who need a deeper investigation into their cardiovascular health status.

What the CVD-3 Panel Checks For

  • Apolipoprotein A1: Measures the level of ApoA1, a major component of HDL cholesterol, helping to evaluate the body's ability to clear cholesterol from the bloodstream.

  • Apolipoprotein B: Assesses ApoB levels, found in LDL cholesterol, which can provide insight into the number of atherogenic particles in the blood.

  • Direct LDL: Offers a direct measurement of LDL cholesterol, bypassing the need for calculation based on other lipid levels, providing a more accurate assessment of LDL concentration, especially in cases with high triglycerides.

  • hs-CRP: A marker of inflammation that is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events. Elevated hs-CRP levels indicate higher levels of inflammation and potentially an increased risk of heart disease.

  • Lipid Panel with Ratios: A comprehensive assessment of cholesterol and triglycerides, including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, along with important ratios that help assess cardiovascular risk.

  • Lipoprotein (A): Measures levels of Lp(a), a lipoprotein that can contribute to atherosclerosis. Elevated Lp(a) levels are considered a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

  • Cardio IQ™ Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility: Provides detailed information on the size and number of various cholesterol particles, offering insights into the risk of cardiovascular disease beyond traditional lipid measures.

  • LP PLA2 Activity: Measures the activity of Lp-PLA2, an enzyme associated with vascular inflammation and plaque instability, providing additional risk assessment for cardiovascular events.

  • VLDL Cholesterol: VLDL is a type of lipoprotein that primarily carries triglycerides. High levels can contribute to the development of plaque in the arteries, leading to cardiovascular diseases.

Advancing Your Cardiovascular Insights with CVD-4

The CVD-4 High Cholesterol Testing Panel represents the pinnacle of cardiovascular diagnostics, expanding upon the CVD-3 panel by including the Cardio IQ™ ApoE Genotype test. This genetic test identifies variations in the ApoE gene, which can influence cholesterol metabolism and the body's response to dietary fats, providing a personalized approach to managing cardiovascular risk and tailoring treatment strategies.

Conditions Detected by the CVD-3 Panel

The CVD-3 High Cholesterol Testing panel aids in the detection and management of:

  • Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: By providing a detailed lipid profile, including particle size and inflammatory markers, the panel helps in assessing the risk and guiding the management of conditions leading to plaque buildup in the arteries.

  • Inflammatory Heart Conditions: Elevated hs-CRP and LP PLA2 Activity levels indicate underlying inflammation that could contribute to heart disease, necessitating targeted interventions.

Utilizing CVD-3 Panel Results in Treatment and Monitoring

Healthcare professionals use the comprehensive data from the CVD-3 High Cholesterol Testing panel to:

  • Customize Treatment Plans: Detailed lipid profiles and inflammatory markers guide the selection of lipid-lowering therapies and anti-inflammatory treatments.

  • Monitor Disease Progression and Treatment Efficacy: Ongoing assessments with the CVD-3 panel can track changes in cardiovascular risk factors, adjusting treatments as necessary to optimize patient outcomes.

The CVD-3 High Cholesterol Testing panel offers an in-depth evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors, providing critical insights into lipid metabolism, inflammation, and genetic predispositions that influence heart health. This panel is an invaluable resource for individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases, allowing for personalized treatment approaches and proactive management of heart health. For those seeking the most comprehensive assessment, the CVD-4 panel further enhances cardiovascular risk evaluation with genetic testing, offering a tailored approach to prevention and care.

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

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