Heart Health - Basic Plus Most Popular

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: Homocysteine, Homocysteine Cardiovascular

HOMOCYSTEINE,

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: Insulin (fasting)

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that is produced and stored in the beta cells of the pancreas. It is vital for the transportation and storage of glucose at the cellular level, helps regulate blood glucose levels, and has a role in lipid metabolism. When blood glucose levels rise after a meal, insulin is released to allow glucose to move into tissue cells, especially muscle and adipose (fat) cells, where is it is used for energy production. Insulin then prompts the liver to either store the remaining excess blood glucose as glycogen for short-term energy storage and/or to use it to produce fatty acids. The fatty acids are eventually used by adipose tissue to synthesize triglycerides to form the basis of a longer term, more concentrated form of energy storage. Without insulin, glucose cannot reach most of the body's cells. Without glucose, the cells starve and blood glucose levels rise to unhealthy levels. This can cause disturbances in normal metabolic processes that result in various disorders, including kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and vision and neurological problems. Thus, diabetes, a disorder associated with decreased insulin effects, is eventually a life-threatening condition.

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.
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The Heart Health - Basic Plus panel contains 6 tests with 14 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Heart Health - Basic Plus Panel is an enhanced diagnostic tool designed for a more comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular health risks. This panel integrates crucial markers for heart health, including lipid profiles, proteins associated with cardiovascular diseases, and markers of inflammation and metabolic health. It provides a nuanced picture of an individual's heart health, helping to identify risks earlier and more accurately than basic screenings.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: Fasting for 12 hours is required.

When and Why the Panel May Be Ordered

Healthcare providers might recommend the Heart Health - Basic Plus Panel for individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease, those exhibiting symptoms or risk factors for heart conditions (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or obesity), or patients seeking a more detailed assessment of their heart health. This panel is particularly valuable for detecting early signs of heart disease, guiding preventive strategies, and monitoring the effectiveness of lifestyle changes or treatments.

What the Panel Checks For

This panel offers a detailed look into various aspects that contribute to cardiovascular health:

  • Apolipoprotein A1 and Apolipoprotein B: These proteins play key roles in cholesterol transport, with Apo A1 associated with "good" HDL cholesterol and Apo B with "bad" LDL cholesterol. Their levels can provide insight into the balance of cholesterol in the body and the risk of atherosclerosis.

  • Homocysteine: Elevated homocysteine levels have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke, possibly due to its impact on the arterial walls.

  • hs-CRP: This high-sensitivity test for C-reactive protein measures low levels of inflammation in the body, which can indicate an increased risk for heart disease.

  • Insulin: Insulin levels can help assess insulin resistance, a condition often associated with metabolic syndrome and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

  • Lipid Panel with Ratios: Provides a comprehensive overview of cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, crucial for assessing heart disease risk.

  • Lipoprotein (a): Elevated levels of Lp(a) are considered a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Lp(a) is a genetically determined lipoprotein that can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Expanding Health Insights with Advanced Panels

For those seeking an even deeper analysis of heart health:

  • The Heart Health - Advanced Panel builds on the Basic Plus by including tests for Fibrinogen Activity, Glucose, Hemoglobin A1c, Omega -3 and -6 Fatty Acids, and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. These additions offer insights into blood clotting factors, blood sugar control, dietary impacts on heart health, and the potential influence of thyroid function on cardiovascular risk.

  • The Heart Health - Comprehensive Panel represents the pinnacle of heart health assessment, adding B-Type Natriuretic Peptide, Cystatin C, Myeloperoxidase Antibody, and Vitamin D status to the mix. This panel provides a holistic view of heart health, renal function, inflammatory processes, and the role of vitamin D in cardiovascular risk.

Conditions and Diseases Detected

The Basic Plus Panel can help detect and assess:

  • Early-stage heart disease: Through the evaluation of lipid imbalances, inflammation, and other cardiovascular risk markers.

  • Increased risk for stroke and heart attack: Identified by elevated homocysteine and Lp(a) levels.

  • Metabolic syndrome: Indicated by insulin resistance markers and lipid profile abnormalities.

Clinical Applications

Results from the Basic Plus Panel enable healthcare professionals to devise targeted interventions for reducing cardiovascular risk, such as recommending dietary changes, physical activity, and possibly medications to manage cholesterol and insulin levels. Ongoing monitoring with this panel aids in tracking the effectiveness of interventions and adjusting strategies as needed.

The Heart Health - Basic Plus Panel offers a valuable resource for individuals and healthcare providers to assess cardiovascular risk factors comprehensively. By identifying key indicators of heart health, this panel aids in the early detection and management of cardiovascular disease, supporting efforts to maintain or improve heart health through tailored interventions and lifestyle modifications.

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

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