What is the Cardio IQ Advanced Cholesterol 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 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 routine cholesterol levels are normal. These markers provide a more complete picture of your heart health, allowing for early detection and intervention.
Why Consider a Cholesterol Test That Measures Size, Density, and Inflammation?
This cholesterol test gives more detail than a standard cholesterol panel because it looks at inflammation and higher risk cholesterol markers linked with plaque in the arteries. It measures Lp-PLA2 Activity, an enzyme tied to inflammation in blood vessels, and it measures Lp(a), a genetic cholesterol-related particle that is linked with higher heart disease risk in many people.
It also checks cholesterol particle size and density, including small, dense LDL. Smaller, denser LDL particles are more likely to get into artery walls and contribute to plaque, even when total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol looks “normal.” This can help explain confusing results and give you more specific information to discuss with your clinician.
Labs Included in Your Cardio IQ Panel 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) (Lp-a) | <30 | Lipoprotein (a) also called Lp-a is a type of lipoprotein associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and has a genetic link. | 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. |
See our Cardio IQ Advanced lipid panel complete guide.
Frequently Asked Questions for Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel with Inflammation
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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.
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