High-Risk Heart Health Lipid and Lp(a) Panel

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: 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 High-Risk Heart Health Lipid and Lp(a) Panel panel contains 2 tests with 8 biomarkers.

The High-Risk Heart Health Lipid and Lp(a) Panel is a comprehensive blood test tailored to assess an individual's risk of heart and other cardiovascular diseases. By measuring key components in the blood, this test provides critical insights into factors that may contribute to heart health issues. Here's an overview of the test components:

  1. Total Cholesterol: Measures the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, including LDL and HDL cholesterol. It's a fundamental indicator of overall heart health.

  2. Triglycerides: These are fats found in the blood that can contribute to arterial plaque formation if elevated, increasing the risk of heart disease.

  3. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Known as the "good cholesterol," HDL cholesterol helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream. Higher levels are considered protective against heart disease.

  4. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) (calculated): Often referred to as "bad cholesterol," LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries. The LDL level is often calculated based on the other lipid levels and is a key risk factor for heart disease.

  5. Cholesterol/HDL Ratio (calculated): This ratio is derived by dividing total cholesterol by HDL cholesterol. A higher ratio can indicate a higher risk of heart disease.

  6. Non-HDL Cholesterol (calculated): This is the total cholesterol minus the HDL cholesterol. It includes all the "bad" cholesterol and is another useful predictor of heart disease risk.

  7. Lipoprotein(a): Lp(a) is a specific type of protein linked to cholesterol. High levels of Lp(a) can lead to the formation of plaques in the arteries, making it a significant marker for cardiovascular risk.

Clinical Applications

  • Risk Identification: This panel offers a detailed risk assessment, especially valuable for those with a family history of heart disease or other risk factors.
  • Treatment Guidance: Based on the results, healthcare providers can develop personalized treatment plans, including medication, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments.
  • Monitoring Effectiveness: For patients under treatment for cardiovascular conditions, the panel can monitor progress and help in modifying treatment as necessary.

Recommended For

The High-Risk Heart Health Lipid and Lp(a) Panel may be advised for individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of heart issues, or other risk factors. Regular testing can be part of ongoing care for those with known heart health concerns.

Conclusion

The High-Risk Heart Health Lipid and Lp(a) Panel is a critical tool for assessing, managing, and preventing cardiovascular disease. By analyzing an extensive set of lipid markers, it provides a nuanced understanding of an individual's heart health and guides medical professionals in delivering personalized, effective care.

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