Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (venipuncture)
- Fasting: 8–12 hours required
- Turnaround: 1–3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment without needing a doctor's visit
- Early detection of diabetes, high cholesterol, and kidney problems
- Fast, confidential results delivered securely to your email
- Convenient scheduling at certified labs near your location
- Proactive monitoring supports heart disease prevention strategies
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults seeking heart disease screening and cardiovascular risk assessment
- Individuals with family history of heart disease, diabetes, or stroke
- People with lifestyle risk factors like smoking, poor diet, or sedentary habits
- Those monitoring chronic conditions such as hypertension or prediabetes
- Health-conscious individuals wanting baseline measurements for preventive care
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online and choose a convenient lab location near you
- Visit the lab for a quick blood draw after fasting 8-12 hours
- Receive secure results within 1-3 days with in secure online portal
FAQ
What does this panel test for? This comprehensive panel measures glucose, kidney markers, liver enzymes, cholesterol levels, inflammation markers, and other biomarkers critical for heart health assessment.
Do I need to fast before the test? Yes, you must fast for 8-12 hours before your blood draw for accurate glucose and lipid measurements. Water is allowed during fasting.
How accurate are the results? These tests use established metabolic and lipid panels with high diagnostic accuracy, processed at CLIA-certified laboratories with quality controls.
What if my results are abnormal? Abnormal results should be discussed with your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis confirmation and treatment recommendations.
Can I take my medications before the test? Continue taking prescribed medications unless specifically advised otherwise by your healthcare provider before testing.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This Heart Health #2 Essential Blood Test Panel provides comprehensive cardiovascular disease risk assessment by measuring critical biomarkers affecting heart and vascular health. The panel includes glucose levels for diabetes screening, lipid profiles for cholesterol assessment, kidney function markers, liver enzymes, and specialized cardiovascular markers like C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and lipoprotein (a). With cardiovascular disease affecting 1 in 3 U.S. adults, early screening helps identify risk factors before symptoms develop (CDC 2023).
Who would benefit from this test?
Adults seeking proactive heart health monitoring will benefit most from this comprehensive panel. Individuals with family history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or stroke should consider regular screening. People with lifestyle risk factors including smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, or chronic stress can use these results for early intervention. Those managing conditions like hypertension, prediabetes, or metabolic syndrome benefit from regular monitoring of these biomarkers (American Heart Association 2024).
When should I order the Heart Health #2 Essential Blood Test Panel?
Order this panel for routine cardiovascular screening, especially if you have risk factors or want baseline measurements for preventive care. Adults over 40 should consider annual screening, while those with existing risk factors may need more frequent monitoring. Schedule testing if experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or irregular heartbeats. Regular monitoring is essential for managing chronic conditions affecting cardiovascular health (Mayo Clinic 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
Your results compare measured biomarker levels to established reference ranges, with abnormal values indicating potential health concerns requiring medical follow-up.
Glucose levels
- Normal: <100 mg/dL (fasting)
- Follow-up: Lifestyle changes, diabetes screening
Total cholesterol
- Desirable: <200 mg/dL
- Follow-up: Diet modification, statin therapy
LDL cholesterol
- Optimal: <100 mg/dL
- Follow-up: Heart-healthy diet, exercise
HDL cholesterol
- Good: >40 mg/dL (men), >50 mg/dL (women)
- Follow-up: Increase physical activity
Triglycerides
- Normal: <150 mg/dL
- Follow-up: Weight management, reduced sugar
Elevated glucose levels double your risk of heart disease, making early detection crucial for prevention.
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 appointment, consuming only water during this period. Avoid alcohol, heavy exercise, and unusual dietary changes 24 hours before testing. Continue taking prescribed medications unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise. Schedule your appointment for morning hours when possible to minimize fasting discomfort. Bring a list of current medications and supplements to your lab visit (American Diabetes Association 2024).
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your risk factors, age, and existing health conditions for optimal cardiovascular monitoring.
- Healthy adults under 40 → Every 3–5 years
- Adults 40+ without risk factors → Every 1–2 years
- Known cardiovascular risk factors → Every 6–12 months
- Diabetes or prediabetes → Every 3–6 months
- Taking cholesterol medications → Every 6–12 months
Why early detection matters
Early cardiovascular risk detection prevents costly complications and saves lives through timely intervention. Identifying elevated glucose, cholesterol, or inflammation markers before symptoms appear allows for lifestyle modifications and medical treatments that significantly reduce heart attack and stroke risk. Studies show early detection can reduce cardiovascular-related healthcare costs by 20% through prevention of emergency hospitalizations (Johns Hopkins 2023). Regular monitoring enables tracking of treatment effectiveness and adjustment of preventive strategies over time.
Related tests you may consider
High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) measures inflammation linked to vascular disease risk.
Hemoglobin A1c offers long-term blood glucose control monitoring, especially important for diabetes concerns.
Vitamin D testing supports overall cardiovascular health.
