Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw
- Fasting: 8–12 hours recommended
- Turn-around: 3–5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment — measures 30+ biomarkers including advanced lipid profiles and inflammation markers
- Early detection advantage — identifies heart disease risk factors before symptoms appear, potentially reducing mortality by up to 30% (Mayo Clinic 2023)
- No doctor referral needed — convenient direct-to-consumer testing with confidential results
- Advanced testing beyond basic panels — includes Lipid profile, comprehensive metabolic panel, CBC w/ diff and platelets, iron studies, thyroid panel with TSH, NMR LipoProfile, homocysteine, and high-sensitivity CRP for superior risk prediction
- Complete health picture — evaluates heart, kidney, liver, thyroid, and metabolic function in one comprehensive panel
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults with family history of heart disease or stroke
- Individuals managing diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
- People over 40 seeking proactive cardiovascular screening
- Those experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue
- Health-conscious individuals wanting comprehensive wellness monitoring
- Anyone starting new fitness or diet programs requiring baseline health data
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — Select your test and schedule at a convenient lab location
- Visit lab — Fast 8-12 hours beforehand; takes just minutes
- Receive results — Detailed report delivered electronically within 3-5 days
FAQ
What makes this different from basic cholesterol testing? This panel includes advanced markers like NMR LipoProfile particle analysis, inflammation markers, and metabolic indicators that provide superior cardiovascular risk prediction compared to standard lipid panels.
Do I need to fast before the test? Yes, fasting 8-12 hours is recommended for accurate glucose and lipid measurements. Water is permitted during fasting.
Can this test diagnose heart disease? No, this is a screening test that identifies risk factors. Abnormal results should be reviewed with your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.
How accurate are the results? Results are processed by CLIA-certified laboratories using clinically validated methods. The comprehensive approach provides a highly reliable cardiovascular risk assessment.
What if my results show elevated risk factors? You should discuss findings with your healthcare provider to develop an appropriate treatment or monitoring plan.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive panel assesses cardiovascular disease risk by measuring critical biomarkers related to heart health, inflammation, and metabolic function. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., responsible for about 1 in 3 deaths annually (CDC 2024). The test evaluates lipid profiles, glucose metabolism, kidney function, liver health, thyroid function, and inflammation markers to provide a complete picture of your cardiovascular risk profile.
The panel includes advanced testing like NMR LipoProfile, which measures LDL particle number and size—superior predictors of heart disease risk compared to traditional cholesterol testing alone (AHA 2024). Additional markers like high-sensitivity CRP and homocysteine provide insights into inflammation and vitamin deficiencies that contribute to cardiovascular risk.
Who would benefit from this test?
Adults concerned about heart disease risk, particularly those with family history of cardiovascular disease, should consider this comprehensive assessment. Individuals managing chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension benefit from regular monitoring of multiple risk factors simultaneously. The test is valuable for people over 40 seeking proactive health screening or anyone experiencing cardiovascular symptoms.
Health-conscious individuals wanting to establish baseline measurements before starting new fitness or dietary programs find this panel particularly useful. The comprehensive nature makes it ideal for those preferring fewer, more complete tests rather than multiple individual assessments over time.
When should I order a Heart Health #3 Extreme Blood Test Panel?
Order this test for routine cardiovascular screening, ideally annually after age 40 or more frequently if you have known risk factors. Consider testing before starting new health regimens, after lifestyle changes, or when experiencing symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or unexplained fatigue.
The test is particularly valuable if you have family history of heart disease, manage diabetes or high blood pressure, or have previously abnormal lipid results requiring more detailed analysis (Johns Hopkins Medicine 2023).
How do I interpret the results?
Results compare your biomarkers against established healthy ranges for each component. The comprehensive report includes physician interpretation highlighting any values outside normal ranges and their clinical significance.
Lipid Profile
- LDL <100 mg/dL
- HDL >40 mg/dL (men)
- >50 mg/dL (women)
- Primary cardiovascular risk factors
Inflammation
- hs-CRP <3.0 mg/L
- Indicates arterial inflammation risk
Metabolic
- Glucose <100 mg/dL fasting
- Used for diabetes/prediabetes screening
Advanced Lipids
- Small dense LDL particles <527 nmol/L
- Superior cardiovascular risk prediction
Advanced lipid testing including apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a) better predict CVD risk than traditional cholesterol measures alone.
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 for accurate lipid and glucose measurements. Water is permitted and encouraged during fasting. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to testing as it can affect triglyceride levels.
Inform the laboratory about current medications, as some supplements and prescriptions may influence results. Continue taking prescribed medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Schedule your appointment for morning hours when possible to minimize fasting inconvenience.
How often should I get tested?
- Healthy adults over 40 → Annually
- Known cardiovascular risk factors → Every 6 months
- Diabetes or prediabetes → Every 3-6 months
- Previous abnormal results → Per healthcare provider recommendation
- Starting new medications → Baseline, then follow-up as directed
Why early detection matters
Early identification of cardiovascular risk factors enables timely interventions that can significantly reduce disease progression. Studies show that early detection and management can reduce cardiovascular mortality by up to 30% through lifestyle modifications and appropriate medical treatments (Mayo Clinic 2023).
Many cardiovascular risk factors develop silently without symptoms. Regular comprehensive testing identifies these "silent" risks before they progress to serious complications like heart attacks or strokes. Advanced markers included in this panel often detect problems years before traditional testing methods.
Related tests you may consider
Cardio IQ® Advanced Lipid Panel with Inflammation Blood Test — includes additional biomarkers such as lipoprotein fractionation and Lp-PLA2 activity for even more detailed cardiovascular risk profiling
Wellness #3 Extreme Blood and Urine Test Panel — offers broader metabolic and kidney function insights alongside cardiovascular markers
Hemoglobin A1c Test — valuable for assessing long-term glucose control, crucial for diabetic patients with cardiovascular risk
