Cardiovascular Health

Why Heart Health Matters

The cardiovascular system is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. A healthy heart and circulatory system are essential for overall well-being, affecting everything from energy levels to brain function. Factors such as high cholesterol, inflammation, and poor circulation can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions.

What Does This Test Panel Analyze?

This panel assesses key markers related to heart health, including cholesterol levels, lipid balance, and signs of inflammation. For example, LDL and HDL cholesterol levels provide insight into heart disease risk, while markers like triglycerides and C-reactive protein (CRP) help detect early signs of cardiovascular issues. Regular cardiovascular testing is essential for individuals managing existing heart conditions, those with a family history of heart disease, or anyone looking to take a proactive approach to heart health. Early detection and lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce long-term health risks.

List of Tests

Apo B, or apolipoprotein B, is a protein that carries cholesterol from the liver to cells throughout the body. However, it only transports lipids with negative health effects; low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and others. It does not transport good cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

High levels of ApoB indicate an increased number of atherogenic particles, which can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as heart attacks and strokes. As such, Apo B is considered to be a powerful indicator of coronary artery disease (CAD). In some patients with CAD, APO B is elevated even in the presence of normal LDL cholesterol.

The Apo B or Apolipoprotein B-100 test is a blood test that can tell you about your risk for cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease. Some healthcare providers believe an Apo B test is more accurate than a lipid panel (which measures all those cholesterol types) to estimate cardiovascular disease risk.

Abnormal Apolipoprotein B Levels

Low ApoB Levels - Causes

Genetic factors: Conditions like familial hypobetalipoproteinemia, an inherited disorder that results in abnormally low ApoB levels.
Malabsorption syndromes: Such as celiac disease or chronic pancreatitis, can reduce ApoB levels.
Severe malnutrition: Inadequate intake of calories and essential nutrients can lead to low ApoB levels.
Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid function can lower lipid levels, including ApoB.
Liver disease: Certain liver conditions that impair lipid production can result in low ApoB levels.
Certain medications: Drugs like statins or fibrates, which lower cholesterol levels, may also reduce ApoB levels.

Low ApoB Levels - Symptoms

Often asymptomatic: There may be no direct symptoms.
Potential fat malabsorption symptoms: If related to malabsorption, symptoms may include diarrhea, weight loss, and deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).
Possible neurological symptoms: Severe reductions in ApoB, particularly related to genetic disorders, may lead to neurological issues, including peripheral neuropathy.

High ApoB Levels - Causes

Genetic factors: Familial hypercholesterolemia and other inherited lipid disorders.
Diet: High intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese is associated with higher ApoB levels.
Metabolic syndrome: A cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels can raise ApoB.
Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to elevated ApoB.
Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid function.
Kidney disease: Certain kidney conditions can result in abnormal lipid metabolism, increasing ApoB.
Certain medications: Some drugs, such as corticosteroids, can increase lipid levels, including ApoB.

High ApoB Levels - Symptoms

Often asymptomatic: There may be no direct symptoms.
Cardiovascular symptoms: If high ApoB contributes to atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in the arteries), symptoms may include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, heart attack, or stroke.

Large HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) refers to a subtype of HDL cholesterol, often categorized based on particle size. HDL is known as 'good cholesterol' because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream, transporting it to the liver for excretion.

The classification into 'large' HDL is based on the size of these particles. Large HDL molecules can transport greater quantities of bad cholesterol to the liver, making them more beneficial to cardiovascular health. In contrast, smaller particles do not provide added cardiovascular protection.

This test helps assess cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients with intermediate or high risk based on traditional or emerging risk factors, including:

Existing health conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, or atherosclerosis
A family history of heart disease
Smoking
Age: Men >45 and women >55 years of age

This test is also used to assess a patient's response to lipid-lowering therapy.

Abnormal Large HDL Particle Levels

Low Large HDL Particle Levels - Causes

Low levels may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, as there is less HDL available to remove cholesterol from the arteries.

Diet: High intake of trans fats and refined sugars or carbohydrates can lower HDL levels.
Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can reduce the levels of large HDL particles.
Obesity: Excess body weight can lower HDL levels, especially large HDL particles.
Type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome: These conditions can reduce the size and number of HDL particles.
Smoking: Smoking is associated with lower HDL levels, including large HDL particles.
Genetics: Some individuals have naturally lower HDL levels.
Certain medications: Some medications, like beta-blockers or anabolic steroids, can lower HDL levels.
Type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome: These conditions can reduce the size and number of HDL particles.

Low Large HDL Particle Levels - Symptoms

Generally asymptomatic
Low levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Symptoms related to cardiovascular issues might include chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue.

Elevated Large HDL Particle Levels - Causes

Elevated levels are typically not a cause for concern. While having high HDL levels is generally considered beneficial, excessively high levels may be associated with certain health issues.

Genetics: Some individuals naturally have higher HDL levels.
Medications: Certain drugs, such as niacin and fibrates, can elevate HDL.
Estrogen: Hormone replacement therapy or higher estrogen levels in women can increase HDL, particularly large HDL particles.

Elevated Large HDL Particle Levels - Symptoms

Generally asymptomatic
Considered protective against cardiovascular disease.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance the liver produces in response to inflammation. The High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) Test is a more precise version of the standard CRP test. It is designed to measure very low levels of CRP in the blood, which can indicate low-grade inflammation.

The hs-CRP test is primarily used to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. Since low-grade inflammation plays a role in the development of atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in the arteries), measuring hs-CRP levels can help identify individuals at higher risk for these conditions, even if they appear otherwise healthy. It is also used to help monitor chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or other autoimmune diseases.

Elevated hs-CRP Levels

Elevated hs-CRP - Causes

Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause inflammation, raising hs-CRP levels.
Chronic inflammatory diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often cause elevated hs-CRP.
Cardiovascular disease: Elevated hs-CRP is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, as it reflects inflammation in the arteries.
Metabolic syndrome: A cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels, can raise hs-CRP.
Obesity: Excess body fat, particularly abdominal fat, is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, leading to elevated hs-CRP.
Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes can increase inflammation and hs-CRP levels.
Autoimmune diseases: Lupus or rheumatoid arthritis involves chronic inflammation, which elevates hs-CRP.
Chronic infections: Periodontal disease or chronic hepatitis can cause ongoing inflammation.
Smoking: Tobacco use is linked to increased inflammation and higher hs-CRP levels.
High blood pressure: Chronic hypertension can lead to arterial inflammation and elevated hs-CRP.

Elevated hs-CRP - Symptoms

Elevated hs-CRP itself does not cause symptoms. It is a marker of underlying inflammation, so any symptoms present would be related to the condition causing the inflammation. These symptoms might include:

Fever or chills: If inflammation is due to an infection.
Fatigue: Chronic inflammation or underlying autoimmune diseases.
Pain or discomfort: Depending on the location of inflammation, such as joint pain in arthritis or chest pain in cardiovascular conditions.
Swelling or redness: In response to localized inflammation, such as an injury or skin infection.

Small LDL particles are a subtype of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. These particles are smaller and denser than the typical LDL particles, LDL-P. Because of their size and density, small LDL particles are more likely to penetrate the walls of arteries, where they can get stuck, oxidize, and form plaques. This process increases the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

This test quantifies Small LDL particle levels and provides insight into cholesterol management and CVD risk. The Small LDL-P marker is usually part of a lipoprotein fractionation NMR test.

Abnormal Small LDL-P Levels

Low Small LDL-P - Causes

Low levels of Small LDL-P are generally not concerning. Rather, they are likely a sign of heart health. However, if your levels are too low, it might be a sign that your body is struggling to get enough nutrients or having trouble processing fats properly. Remember, while it's called "bad cholesterol," your body still needs a certain amount to make hormones and keep your cells strong.

Healthy lifestyle: Eating well and staying active support heart health.
Medications: If diet and lifestyle changes are not enough, medications like statins can also help lower these levels.

Low Small LDL-P Levels - Symptoms

Symptoms of low small LDL levels are not typically noticeable, However, if the low levels are due to malnutrition or poor lipid absorption, one might experience symptoms related to those conditions, such as fatigue, weight loss, or digestive issues.

High Small LDL - Causes

Genetics: A family history of high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease can predispose individuals to higher levels of small LDL particles.
Diet: Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, and refined carbohydrates can increase the production of small LDL particles.
Insulin resistance and diabetes: These conditions are closely linked with an increased production of small LDL particles.
Obesity: Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, is associated with higher small LDL levels.
Low physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to higher small LDL particle levels.

High Small LDL - Symptoms

Symptoms of high LDL levels are typically not noticeable on their own. Generally, they only become apparent as part of the broader effects of conditions like heart disease or stroke, which can result from long-term, untreated high cholesterol. These can include chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden numbness, or weakness in limbs.

Boost your efficiency

Cardiovascular Health

Why Heart Health Matters

What Does This Test Panel Analyze?

List of Tests

Ready to Take Control of Your Health?

Ready to invest in art?

Need help choosing?