Ordering the Cardio Check Profile (CV Health) | Genova | Canada
The Cardio Check Profile is a comprehensive blood test that measures a wide range of cholesterol, lipoproteins, and cardiometabolic markers to help identify risks linked to heart and blood vessel conditions. This test provides a detailed look at cholesterol types, particle sizes, and inflammation markers, which can help guide decisions about diet, exercise, and other steps to support heart function. Interestingly, research shows that certain cholesterol particle sizes may be more closely linked to heart and artery problems than total cholesterol alone.
Ordering this test can help you:
- See detailed cholesterol breakdowns, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides
- Check for hidden risk factors like high-sensitivity CRP and homocysteine
- Track changes in cholesterol particle size and number
- Monitor the effects of diet or lifestyle changes on heart markers
- Spot early signs of plaque buildup or artery inflammation
Who Should Consider a Heart and Artery Risk Assessment
People who want to know more about their risk for heart and blood vessel problems, especially if they have a family history of heart disease, may benefit from this test. For example, someone who has a parent or sibling who had a heart attack before age 60 might want to check their own cholesterol and inflammation markers to see if they share similar risks.
Ordering this test may also be helpful if you:
- Have borderline or high cholesterol on a recent blood test
- Are starting a new diet or exercise plan and want to track changes
- Have a history of high blood pressure or diabetes
- Are concerned about stroke risk due to family history
- Recently learned that certain cholesterol particle sizes can affect heart risk, even if total cholesterol is normal
This test can help you find out if your cholesterol and inflammation markers are in a range linked to lower risk for heart and artery problems. Delaying this test could mean missing early changes in cholesterol or inflammation that are easier to address when caught sooner.
How to Prepare for the Test
Fasting for 12 hours before your blood draw is required for the most accurate cholesterol and triglyceride results. Make sure to follow any instructions your doctor or healthcare professional gives you, as these can help ensure your results are as useful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Cardio Check Profile (CV Health) | Genova
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Test Shows | Low and High Levels of This Marker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lipid Markers | |||
| LDL Cholesterol | Below 100 | LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, can build up in artery walls and increase the risk of heart and blood vessel problems. This test measures the amount of LDL in your blood. |
High levels mean a greater chance of plaque buildup in arteries.
Low levels mean a lower risk for artery blockage. |
| HDL Cholesterol | Above 40 (men), Above 50 (women) | HDL, or “good” cholesterol, helps remove LDL from the blood. This test shows how much HDL is present to help protect arteries. |
High levels mean better removal of LDL from the blood.
Low levels mean less protection against artery buildup. |
| Total Cholesterol | Below 200 | This test adds up all types of cholesterol in your blood, including LDL and HDL, to give an overall cholesterol number. |
High levels mean a higher chance of heart and artery problems.
Low levels mean a lower risk for cholesterol-related issues. |
| Triglycerides | Below 150 | Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. This test checks for high levels, which can raise the risk of heart and blood vessel problems. |
High levels mean a greater risk for artery hardening and heart issues.
Low levels mean less risk for fat buildup in arteries. |
| LDL Particle Number and Size | LDL-P: Below 1000; Large size preferred | This test counts the number and measures the size of LDL particles. Smaller, denser particles are linked to higher risk for artery problems. |
High number or small size means more risk for artery blockage.
Low number or large size means less risk for heart issues. |
| HDL Particle Number and Size | HDL-P: Above 30; Large size preferred | This test checks how many HDL particles are present and their size. Larger, more numerous HDL particles are better at removing LDL. |
High number or large size means better cholesterol removal.
Low number or small size means less protection for arteries. |
| VLDL Particle Number and Size | VLDL: Below 30 | VLDL carries triglycerides in the blood. High VLDL can mean more fat is being carried, which may raise heart risk. |
High levels mean more fat in the blood and higher risk for artery problems.
Low levels mean less fat being carried in the blood. |
| Lipid/Cholesterol Ratios | |||
| Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio | Below 4.5 | This ratio compares total cholesterol to HDL. A lower ratio means more HDL compared to total cholesterol, which is better for arteries. |
High ratio means more risk for heart and artery problems.
Low ratio means better protection from HDL. |
| Triglycerides/HDL Ratio | Below 2.0 | This ratio helps show if there is a balance between triglycerides and HDL. A lower number is linked to less risk for artery problems. |
High ratio means more risk for artery hardening.
Low ratio means less risk for heart issues. |
| Lipoproteins | |||
| Apolipoprotein A1 | Above 120 | Apo A1 is a main part of HDL. Higher levels are linked to better removal of cholesterol from arteries. |
High levels mean better cholesterol clearing.
Low levels mean less ability to remove cholesterol. |
| Apolipoprotein B | Below 90 | Apo B is found in LDL and VLDL. High levels mean more particles that can cause artery buildup. |
High levels mean more risk for artery plaque.
Low levels mean less risk for artery problems. |
| Apo B / Apo A-1 Ratio | Below 0.7 | This ratio compares the amount of Apo B to Apo A1. A lower ratio means less risk for artery buildup. |
High ratio means more risk for heart and artery problems.
Low ratio means better balance for artery protection. |
| Lp(a) | Below 30 | Lp(a) is a type of lipoprotein that can raise the risk for artery plaque, even if other cholesterol numbers are normal. |
High levels mean more risk for artery plaque and heart problems.
Low levels mean less risk for artery buildup. |
| Independent Risk Factors | |||
| High Sensitivity CRP | Below 1.0 | High-sensitivity CRP is a marker of inflammation in the body. Higher levels can mean more inflammation in the arteries. |
High levels mean more inflammation and higher risk for artery problems.
Low levels mean less inflammation in the arteries. |
| Homocysteine | Below 10 | Homocysteine is an amino acid. High levels can damage blood vessels and raise the risk for heart and artery problems. |
High levels mean more risk for blood vessel damage.
Low levels mean less risk for artery injury. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their standards and methods.
Cardio Check Profile FAQ
Is there Cardio Check Profile testing near me?
This is a test kit that you can collect locally, and you can find a draw location using the link at the top of the page. Since heart and artery risk markers often need regular monitoring, having a nearby collection site makes it easier to keep up with testing and avoid missing important changes.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your treating physician should review your results, you can also use our one-on-one test results review service with our clinical team for a detailed explanation and next steps.
What is the cost of the test?
The price shown includes standard shipping to you and return shipping to the lab, but draw fees may apply. Ordering this test can help you spot early changes in cholesterol and inflammation, which may help you address heart risk factors sooner.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended every 6 to 12 months, especially if you are making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan. Regular testing helps you track progress and adjust your plan based on real changes in your cholesterol and inflammation markers.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses advanced liquid chromatography and immunoassay methods, with a specificity of 98% and sensitivity of 97% for most markers. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
- Avoid exercise for at least 24 hours before the blood draw.
- This test is not available to 2 years old and below.
- Ship the samples Monday through Friday only.
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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