What is the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel with Inflammation?
The Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel with Inflammation is a comprehensive test that measures various lipids and inflammatory markers in your blood. This test goes beyond the basics, offering a deep dive into your cholesterol profile, including HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. One intriguing aspect is the measurement of cholesterol size (very similar to the Auto Vertical Profile or VAP test), which separates and measures the different sizes of cholesterol in your blood.
Why is the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel Important?
Understanding your lipid levels is crucial because they play a significant role in cardiovascular health. For instance, Apolipoprotein B is a protein that can indicate the number of atherogenic particles, which are linked to a higher risk of heart disease. High levels of hs-CRP, a marker of inflammation, can signal an increased risk of heart attacks, even if your cholesterol levels are normal. These markers provide a more complete picture of your heart health, allowing for early detection and intervention.
Why should you consider ordering the Test Panel?
Ordering this test can be a proactive step towards maintaining your heart health. The Lp-PLA2 Activity marker, for example, is an enzyme associated with inflammation and plaque formation in the arteries. Elevated levels of Lp(a) are linked to a genetic risk for heart disease. By understanding these markers, you can take informed steps to manage your health, potentially reducing your risk of serious conditions. This test offers detailed information that can guide lifestyle and medical decisions for better cardiovascular health.
Labs Included in Your Order
| Test Name | Reference Ranges | Explanation | High and Low Levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cholesterol, Total |
|
Total cholesterol measures the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood. It’s crucial for building cells but too much can lead to heart disease even through more than 50% of those who develop heart disease have normal cholesterol levels. | High: High levels of cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease.
Low: Low levels of cholesterol may indicate malnutrition or liver disease. |
| HDL Cholesterol |
|
HDL is known as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. | High: High levels of HDL can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Low: Low levels of HDL increase the risk of heart disease. |
| Triglycerides |
|
Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. High levels can increase the risk of heart disease. | High: High levels of triglycerides are linked to a higher risk of heart disease.
Low: Low levels of triglycerides are usually not a concern. |
| Non-HDL and Calculated Components |
|
Non-HDL cholesterol includes all bad cholesterol types and is a strong predictor of heart disease risk. | High: High levels of non-HDL cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease.
Low: Low levels are usually not a concern. |
| Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility (cholesterol size) | N/A | This test measures different sizes of the cholesterol particles, providing detailed information about your cholesterol levels. | Large cholesterol sizes can decrease the risk of heart disease.
Small, dense cholesterol sizes can increase the risk of heart disease due to their ability to get into “cracks” in blood vessel walls. |
| Apolipoprotein B | 60-100 | Apolipoprotein B is a protein that helps transport cholesterol in the blood. It’s linked to an increased risk of heart disease. | High: High levels of Apolipoprotein B indicate a higher risk of heart disease.
Low: Low levels may indicate a lower risk of heart disease. |
| Lipoprotein (a) | <30 | Lipoprotein (a) is a type of lipoprotein associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. | High: High levels of Lipoprotein (a) increase the risk of heart disease.
Low: Low levels of Lipoprotein (a) are associated with a lower risk. |
| hs-CRP | <1.0 | High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a marker of inflammation in the body, indicating potential heart disease risk. | High: High levels of hs-CRP suggest increased inflammation and higher heart disease risk.
Low: Low levels of hs-CRP indicate lower inflammation and heart disease risk. |
| Lp-PLA2 Activity | <200 | Lp-PLA2 Activity measures an enzyme linked to inflammation and plaque buildup in arteries, increasing heart disease + heart attack risk. | High: High levels of Lp-PLA2 Activity suggest higher inflammation and heart disease risk.
Low: Low levels indicate lower inflammation and heart disease risk. |
Frequently Asked Questions for Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel with Inflammation
What is the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel with Inflammation for?
This test is for assessing a comprehensive range of lipid and inflammatory markers in the blood to evaluate cardiovascular health.
What are the signs and symptoms of high cholesterol and inflammation?
Signs include chest pain, high blood pressure, and shortness of breath. Inflammation may cause swelling, redness, and joint pain.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is typically recommended annually or as advised by your physician, depending on your risk factors and health status.
How accurate is the test?
The Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel with Inflammation is highly accurate and reliable, using advanced methodologies to provide precise measurements.
Are test results private and confidential?
Receive test results securely on TrueHealthLabs.com under 'My Account.' It's critical that you share them with your physician. Results may be disclosed to health authorities only if legally mandated. Review our privacy policy for more details.
To learn more, see our comprehensive guide to the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel with Inflammation.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
