Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (serum)
- Fasting: 8–12 hours recommended
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection – Identify heart disease risk before symptoms appear
- Comprehensive screening – Measures cholesterol, blood sugar, inflammation, and organ function
- No doctor required – Order directly without physician referral for convenience
- Confidential results – Secure online access to your health information
- Actionable insights – Get data to guide lifestyle changes and healthcare discussions
- Affordable prevention – Cost-effective way to monitor cardiovascular health
Who Is This Test For?
- Family history concerns – Those with relatives who had heart disease or stroke
- Risk factor monitoring – People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity
- Health-conscious individuals – Anyone wanting proactive cardiovascular screening
- Lifestyle assessments – Those evaluating diet, exercise, or medication effectiveness
- Preventive care seekers – Adults establishing baseline heart health measurements
- Chronic condition management – Individuals tracking ongoing cardiovascular risk factors
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – Select your test and find a convenient lab location
- Visit lab – Quick blood draw at a local partner facility
- Get results – Secure online access within 3-5 days, ready to share with your doctor
FAQ
What biomarkers does this panel measure? Comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid profile, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein for inflammation.
Do I need to fast before the test? Yes, fasting 8-12 hours ensures accurate cholesterol and glucose measurements.
Can I use this to monitor existing heart conditions? This baseline panel helps track risk factors, but consult your doctor for specific condition monitoring.
What if my results show abnormal values? Share results with a healthcare provider for interpretation and potential follow-up testing or treatment.
How often should I get this test? Typically annually for monitoring, or as recommended based on your risk factors and doctor's guidance.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive blood panel assesses your cardiovascular disease risk by measuring key biomarkers linked to heart health. It evaluates cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, kidney function, liver health, and inflammation markers that contribute to heart disease development (American Heart Association 2024). By analyzing these interconnected factors through a simple blood draw, the test provides early detection of potential cardiovascular issues before symptoms appear, supporting preventive care and early intervention strategies.
Who would benefit from this test?
Adults with family history of heart disease, stroke, or diabetes should consider this screening, as genetic factors significantly influence cardiovascular risk (Mayo Clinic 2023). Individuals with existing risk factors like high blood pressure, obesity, smoking history, or sedentary lifestyle can use results to guide prevention efforts. Health-conscious people wanting to establish baseline measurements for future comparison benefit from this comprehensive assessment. Those managing chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension can track how well their current treatments control cardiovascular risk factors.
When should I order Heart Health #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel?
Order this test when establishing your cardiovascular health baseline, ideally before age 40 or when risk factors develop (CDC 2023). Consider testing if you experience symptoms like chest discomfort, unusual fatigue, or shortness of breath during normal activities. Annual screening is recommended for adults over 40, those with diabetes, or individuals with multiple risk factors. Schedule testing before making significant lifestyle changes to measure improvement effectiveness, or when your doctor recommends cardiovascular risk assessment.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results include reference ranges showing normal, borderline, and high-risk values for each biomarker. Understanding these measurements helps identify areas needing attention:
Total Cholesterol:
- < 200 mg/dL
- Elevated levels indicate increased risk of artery blockage
LDL Cholesterol:
- < 130 mg/dL
- Elevated levels indicate higher chance of plaque buildup
HDL Cholesterol:
- > 40 mg/dL (men), > 50 mg/dL (women)
- Low levels indicate reduced protective "good" cholesterol
Triglycerides:
- < 150 mg/dL
- Elevated levels indicate increased cardiovascular disease risk
Fasting Glucose:
- < 100 mg/dL
- Elevated levels suggest pre-diabetes or diabetes risk
hs-CRP:
- < 1.0 mg/L
- Elevated levels indicate inflammation linked to heart disease
Nearly 1 in 4 deaths in the US are due to heart disease, making early detection through biomarker testing crucial for prevention (AHA 2024).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Fast for 8-12 hours before your blood draw, consuming only water during this period. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior, as it can affect triglyceride and liver function measurements. Continue taking prescribed medications unless your doctor advises otherwise. Schedule your appointment for morning hours when possible, making fasting more convenient. Wear comfortable clothing with easily accessible sleeves for the blood draw procedure.
How often should I get tested?
- Healthy adults under 40: Every 2–3 years
- Adults over 40 with no risk factors: Annually
- Diabetes or pre-diabetes: Every 6–12 months
- High cholesterol on medication: Every 3–6 months initially, then annually
- Multiple cardiovascular risk factors: Every 6–12 months
- Family history of early heart disease: Annually starting at age 30
Why early detection matters
Cardiovascular disease develops silently over years, with 80% of premature heart attacks and strokes being preventable through early identification and lifestyle changes (Cleveland Clinic 2025). Early detection allows intervention when treatments are most effective and less invasive. Identifying elevated cholesterol, blood sugar, or inflammation markers enables targeted lifestyle modifications that can significantly reduce future cardiovascular events. The economic impact is substantial—early detection and management prevent costly cardiac procedures and hospitalizations while improving quality of life.
Related tests you may consider
Heart Health #2 Essential Blood Test Panel - includes additional markers like Homocysteine and Lipoprotein(a) for deeper cardiovascular risk assessment in high-risk individuals.
Wellness #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel offers broader metabolic and organ function insights complementing heart-related biomarkers for comprehensive health screening.
Thyroid #2 Essential Blood Test Panel - since thyroid disorders significantly impact cardiovascular health and cholesterol metabolism.
