Cardiometabolic - Enhanced
Tests Included
What it is: The total amount of cholesterol in the blood, which includes low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL).
Why it matters: Cholesterol is essential for cellular structure and hormone production, but excess levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
What it is: Often referred to as "bad cholesterol," LDL transports cholesterol to tissues. Elevated levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries.
Why it matters: High LDL levels are strongly linked to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
What it is: A subtype of LDL cholesterol consisting of smaller, denser particles. These are more prone to oxidation and more likely to contribute to plaque formation.
Why it matters: Elevated sdLDL-C is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, even in individuals with normal LDL-C levels.
What it is: Known as "good cholesterol," HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from tissues and transports it to the liver for excretion.
Why it matters: Higher HDL levels are protective against cardiovascular disease.
What it is: A type of fat (lipid) in the blood, stored in fat cells and used as an energy source. Why it matters: Elevated triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease, particularly when combined with low HDL and/or high LDL.
What it is: ApoB is a structural protein found in lipoproteins like LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein). Each LDL particle contains one ApoB molecule, making it a better marker of atherogenic (plaque-forming) lipoproteins than LDL-C alone.
Why it matters: Elevated ApoB levels indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) because they reflect the total number of atherogenic particles.
What it is: A lipoprotein similar to LDL but includes an additional protein called apolipoprotein(a). Elevated Lp(a) levels are genetically determined. Why it matters: High Lp(a) levels are associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke, independent of LDL-C levels.
What it is: A marker of systemic inflammation, produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Why it matters: Elevated hsCRP levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and chronic inflammatory conditions.
What it is: The main sugar in the blood, derived from dietary carbohydrates. Why it matters: Elevated glucose levels may indicate prediabetes or diabetes, while low levels may suggest hypoglycemia.
What it is: A measure of average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. HbA1c reflects the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycated (sugar-bound). Why it matters: Used to diagnose and monitor diabetes or prediabetes.
What it is: Fats the body cannot produce, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are crucial for brain function, cell membrane structure, and inflammation regulation.
Why it matters: Imbalances or deficiencies can contribute to chronic inflammation, heart disease, and cognitive issues.
Key components:
Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., EPA, DHA): Anti-inflammatory properties.
Omega-6 fatty acids (e.g., linoleic acid): Support energy production and skin health but may promote inflammation when excessive.
What it is: A waste product formed from muscle metabolism and filtered by the kidneys. Why it matters: Elevated levels may indicate kidney dysfunction or reduced kidney filtration (e.g., chronic kidney disease). Low levels might be seen in malnutrition or muscle wasting.
What it is: A byproduct of purine metabolism, purines being substances found in certain foods and also naturally produced by the body.
Why it matters: Elevated uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) can lead to gout (painful joint inflammation) and may be associated with kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome. Low levels are less common but may indicate liver disease or certain metabolic conditions.
What it is: An amino acid that is produced when the body breaks down methionine (an essential amino acid).
Why it matters: Elevated homocysteine levels (hyperhomocysteinemia) are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain neurodegenerative diseases. Elevated levels can result from deficiencies in vitamins B6, B12, or folate, which are involved in homocysteine metabolism.
About this test
The Cardiometabolic - Enhanced test provides a deeper understanding of cardiovascular and metabolic health by measuring a wide range of biomarkers. In addition to a standard lipid panel (Total Cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and Triglycerides), it includes advanced markers like small dense LDL-C (sdLDL-C) and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), which are strong predictors of cardiovascular disease risk. The test also assesses Lipoprotein(a) [LP(a)], a genetic risk factor for heart disease that cannot be modified through lifestyle changes.
Markers like glucose, HbA1c, and insulin resistance help identify diabetes or prediabetes, while hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) provides insights into chronic inflammation, a known driver of cardiovascular disease. The test also evaluates kidney health using creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Additionally, it includes assessments of nutritional and metabolic markers like essential fatty acids, helping to detect imbalances that may contribute to inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.
This test is a powerful tool for early detection of cardiometabolic risks, enabling personalized prevention strategies and management plans.
How it works
Collect Sample
We send you an easy-to-use kit to collect your blood sample.
Post Sample
Post your sample to our lab in the prepaid envelope provided.
View Results
View results securely in your own personal dashboard.
