Cardio IQ® Advanced Lipid Panel Blood Test

What is the purpose of this test?

The Cardio IQ® Advanced Lipid Panel from Quest Diagnostics is a specialized blood test designed to assess your risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and monitor your response to treatments. This test goes beyond routine lipid profiles by providing a more comprehensive evaluation of your cardiovascular health.

The Cardio IQ® Advanced Lipid Panel includes the following:

1. Cardio IQ® Cholesterol, Total: Measures the overall cholesterol level in your blood.
2. Cardio IQ® HDL Cholesterol: Measures the "good" cholesterol, which helps remove bad cholesterol from your bloodstream.
3. Cardio IQ® Triglycerides: Measures the amount of fat in your blood.
4. Cardio IQ® Non-HDL and Calculated Components: Includes a calculation of all the "bad" types of cholesterol combined, excluding HDL.
5. Cardio IQ® Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility: Measures the size and number of lipoprotein particles, giving a detailed view of cholesterol particles that can contribute to heart disease.
6. Cardio IQ® Apolipoprotein B: Measures the amount of apolipoprotein B, a protein involved in lipid metabolism and an indicator of atherogenic particles that can cause cardiovascular disease.
7. Cardio IQ® Lipoprotein (a): Measures a specific type of lipoprotein that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Benefits of the Cardio IQ® Advanced Lipid Panel:

• Comprehensive Risk Assessment: While standard lipid profiles measure basic cholesterol levels, the Cardio IQ® Advanced Lipid Panel provides a deeper analysis, identifying additional risk factors for heart disease that might go unnoticed with standard tests.
• Monitoring Treatment: This test helps doctors see how well your body responds to treatments like medications or lifestyle changes, ensuring the effectiveness of your treatment plan.
• Detecting Hidden Risks: Nearly half of all patients with normal cholesterol levels still have heart risks due to plaque buildup in their arteries. This advanced panel can detect these hidden risks.
• Additional Conditions: Besides heart disease, this test can help diagnose other conditions, such as liver disease.

Who should get this test?

Certain factors increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and may require more frequent screenings:

• Men aged 45 and older, and women aged 50-55 and older.
• Individuals with dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol levels).
• People with diabetes or prediabetes.
• Those who are obese or overweight.
• Individuals with an inactive lifestyle.
• People with hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Smokers.
• Individuals who have had a previous heart attack or stroke.
• Those with a family history of cardiovascular disease.

The Cardio IQ® Advanced Lipid Panel is a valuable tool for a thorough assessment of your cardiovascular health. By including advanced biomarkers and detailed lipid measurements, it provides a clearer picture of your heart health, helping your healthcare provider develop a more targeted and effective treatment plan to reduce your risk over time.

For more detailed information, you can consult with your healthcare provider.