The Cardio Update offers a comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular health through a detailed analysis of key lipid markers. This panel goes beyond standard cholesterol tests to provide a more accurate understanding of cardiovascular disease risk between comprehensive panels. By monitoring these markers, you and your healthcare provider can gain insights that aren’t available in routine cholesterol panels, helping you take proactive steps to support heart health and manage any potential risks.
For those focused on optimizing cardiovascular health, or if your goal is to closely monitor these markers, it’s recommended to take the Cardio Update every 2-3 months between comprehensive panels until target ranges are achieved. This regular testing allows for effective tracking of progress and supports timely adjustments to your wellness approach as needed.
The Cardio Update is ideal for:
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. They store excess energy from your diet and can be used for energy between meals. Elevated triglyceride levels can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
This test is commonly included in a lipid panel and measures the level of triglycerides in the blood serum triglycerides.
Clinical Applications:
Low Triglycerides (Hypotriglyceridemia)
Low triglycerides usually don't cause noticeable symptoms. They are rarely a direct health concern but could indicate underlying issues.
High Triglyceride Levels (Hypertriglyceridemia) - Causes
High Triglyceride Levels (Hypertriglyceridemia) - Symptoms
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body, essential for several functions such as cell structure, hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and digestion of fats. However, excessive cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The total cholesterol test measures the overall cholesterol in your blood, including LDL, HDL, and VLDL. It helps assess the risk of coronary artery disease and diagnose conditions like hyperlipoproteinemia, atherosclerosis, liver, and thyroid diseases.
Low Cholesterol - Causes
Low Cholesterol - Symptoms
High Cholesterol - Causes
High Cholesterol - Symptoms
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol. Because it removes low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from the bloodstream and transports it to the liver for excretion it plays a protective role against cardiovascular disease.
The HDL cholesterol test measures the amount of HDL in the blood. It is part of a comprehensive lipid panel. HDL levels are used to assess the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. Higher levels of HDL are generally protective, while lower levels increase the risk. The test is also used to monitor the effectiveness of lifestyle changes or medications aimed at increasing HDL levels.
Low HDL Levels - Causes
Low HDL Levels - Symptoms
High HDL Levels - Considered heart-healthy
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all the cells in your body. Often referred to as "bad cholesterol," LDL cholesterol is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells throughout the body. When present in excess, LDL cholesterol can deposit in the walls of arteries, leading to plaque formation, which narrows the arteries and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes.
Your liver makes cholesterol and it's also in some foods, such as meat and dairy products. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. However, having too much cholesterol in your blood raises your risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).
The Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol Test measures the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood and is part of a routine lipid panel. It is used to evaluate the risk of developing heart disease and to monitor the effectiveness of LDL-lowering protocols.
Low LDL - Causes & Symptoms
Low LDL cholesterol levels are generally considered very healthy and do not cause noticeable symptoms. Genetic disorders, malnutrition, hyperthyroidism, liver disease, or medication may cause low levels. Very low levels might be associated with:
Causes
Symptoms
The Cholesterol to HDL Cholesterol Ratio (Chol/HDL-C Ratio) is a calculated value obtained by dividing the total cholesterol level by the HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol level. This ratio is used to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease. A higher ratio indicates a greater risk of heart disease.
Elevated Cholesterol/HDL Ratio - Causes
Elevated Cholesterol/HDL Ratio - Symptoms
Non-HDL Cholesterol represents the total cholesterol in your blood minus the HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. It includes all the "bad" types of cholesterol that can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
This test is considered a comprehensive marker for cardiovascular risk and is useful for monitoring the efficacy of therapy or lifestyle changes.
Low Non-HDL Cholesterol - Causes & Symptoms
High Non-HDL Cholesterol - Causes
High Non-HDL Cholesterol - Symptoms
Lipoprotein (a), or Lp (a), is one kind of LDL or low-density lipoprotein in your blood, with an extra protein called apolipoprotein(a) that makes it different. While Lp(a)'s role in our bodies is not completely understood, it is known to be involved in blood clotting and healing wounds and is thought to help move and use fats within the body.
LDLs (cholesterol or fats) can cause issues because they can make speed bumps of plaque, slowing down your blood's ability to flow through your arteries. Enough of these speed bumps can give you a blood-stopping blockage. Further, lipoprotein (a) makes your blood clot more and makes it harder for blood clots to break down, increasing blockage concerns. Inflammation from lipoprotein (a) makes it more likely that those speed bumps of plaque will break open, attracting more blood clots. Therefore, elevated Lp(a) levels can be a risk factor for heart disease.
While the amount of Lp(a) in your blood is mainly genetically determined, it is an important risk factor to understand. This test is used to assess coronary heart disease risk and identify lipid metabolism issues.
Elevated Lipoprotein (a) Levels - Causes
Elevated Lipoprotein (a) Levels - Symptoms
Elevated Lp(a) levels typically do not cause symptoms directly. However, they contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, which can manifest as:
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.
Low ApoB Levels - Causes
Low ApoB Levels - Symptoms
High ApoB Levels - Causes
High ApoB Levels - Symptoms
Low-Density Lipoprotein particles (LDL-P) are a key component of LDL cholesterol, responsible for transporting fats through the bloodstream. When these particles become trapped in the artery walls, they contribute to the buildup of fatty plaques, which can increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
The higher the concentration of LDL-P in the blood, the greater the likelihood of plaque formation. Studies indicate that elevated LDL-P levels can raise cardiovascular risk, even when total cholesterol and LDL-C levels appear normal. This helps explain why some individuals experience heart attacks despite not having high total cholesterol or LDL-C.
While standard LDL-C tests are helpful for assessing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, they may not fully capture the risk for some individuals, particularly those with conditions like diabetes. In such cases, LDL-P testing can provide a more accurate picture of cardiovascular risk, offering valuable insight for those with normal LDL-C levels but elevated risk factors.
Low LDL Particle Numbers - Causes
Low LDL Particle Numbers - Symptoms
High LDL Particle Numbers - Causes
High LDL Particle Numbers - Symptoms
The size of LDL particles can provide more detailed information about cardiovascular risk beyond just measuring total LDL cholesterol. Larger LDL particles are generally considered less atherogenic (less likely to promote the formation of plaque in the arteries) than smaller, denser LDL particles.
The LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) peak size test measures the average size of LDL particles in your blood.
Abnormal LDL Peak Size - Causes
Abnormal LDL Peak Size - Symptoms
LDL cholesterol is often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol. There are different types of LDL particles: small, dense LDL, and large, buoyant LDL. The size and density of LDL particles can provide more detailed information about cardiovascular risk than just measuring total LDL cholesterol.
The LDL Pattern test categorizes LDL particles into the following types based on their size and density.
Abnormal LDL Pattern - Causes
Abnormal LDL Pattern - Symptoms
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:
This test is also used to assess a patient's response to lipid-lowering therapy.
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.
Low Large HDL Particle Levels - Symptoms
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.
Elevated Large HDL Particle Levels - Symptoms
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.
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.
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
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.
Medium Low-Density Lipoprotein Particles (Medium LDL-P) are cholesterol particles that transport fats from your liver to other parts of your body, where they help create cells and make certain hormones.
This test quantifies Medium LDL-P levels and provides insight into cholesterol management and CVD risk.
Low Medium LDL-P Levels might mean your body isn't making or moving around as much cholesterol as it usually does. Low levels are uncommon but may indicate an efficient cholesterol metabolism or underlying health conditions.
There are generally no symptoms of low Medium LDL-P levels. However, in some cases, individuals might experience fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or issues related to hormonal imbalances. Regular monitoring and working with healthcare providers are crucial for managing LDL-P levels.
Low Medium LDL-P - Causes
High Medium LDL-P can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 1.2 to 1.4 times. While there are no symptoms associated with elevated levels, over time, elevated levels could contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, which may lead to symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, or fatigue during physical activity.
High Medium LDL-P - Causes