Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood serum via venipuncture
- Fasting: 12–14 hours required. Patient should maintain a stable diet for 2–3 weeks before blood collection and stop biotin 72 hours before collection.
- Turnaround: 2-3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holidays, or lab delays.
What's Included
Lipid Panel
- Total Cholesterol: measures the overall cholesterol level in your blood.
- HDL Cholesterol: often called "good" cholesterol, helps protect against heart disease.
- LDL Cholesterol: often called "bad" cholesterol, associated with artery blockages.
- LDL Cholesterol (NIH Calculation): a calculated LDL value derived from your other lipid results.
- Non-HDL Cholesterol: reflects total cholesterol minus HDL, capturing additional risk-related particles.
- VLDL Cholesterol (Calculated): an estimated measure of triglyceride-carrying lipoproteins.
- Triglycerides: measures the level of fat circulating in your blood.
- Cholesterol/HDL Ratio: a calculated ratio comparing total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol.
Inflammatory Marker
Additional Marker
Benefits
- Measures your full lipid profile, including cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.
- Checks hs-CRP, a marker of inflammation linked to heart health.
- Includes homocysteine testing for a broader cardiovascular picture.
- No physician referral required to order.
- Confidential results delivered through a secure online portal.
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults with a family history of heart disease or stroke.
- Individuals with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
- Health-conscious adults wanting a baseline heart health assessment.
- Anyone monitoring changes related to heart medications or lifestyle changes.
- Adults seeking routine preventive cardiovascular screening.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This panel evaluates key markers associated with cardiovascular health. It includes a lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, non-HDL, VLDL, and triglycerides), a calculated cholesterol/HDL ratio, an inflammatory marker (hs-CRP), and homocysteine. Together, these measurements provide a broader view of factors linked to heart health. This panel does not diagnose any condition on its own.
2. Who would benefit from this test, and when should I order it?
Adults interested in understanding factors related to their cardiovascular health may benefit from this panel, including those with a family history of heart disease, those managing risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure, or those wanting a baseline assessment for future comparison. You may also consider ordering it for routine screening or to monitor changes related to lifestyle adjustments or heart-related medications. The panel is intended to support awareness.
3. Do I need to fast before this test?
Yes, fasting for 12–14 hours before your blood draw is required, with only water recommended during this window. You should also maintain your regular diet for 2–3 weeks before testing, avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior, and stop biotin 72 hours before collection to help ensure accurate results. Continue taking prescribed medications unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs otherwise, and schedule your appointment for morning hours when possible to minimize fasting discomfort.
4. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available within 2-3 business days, though this may take longer based on weather, holidays, or lab delays.
5. How do I interpret the results?
Your report will compare your results to standard reference ranges. Rather than focusing on a single value, patterns across multiple biomarkers often provide a more complete picture of your cardiovascular health. Discuss your results with a healthcare provider for personalized interpretation.
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.
6. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
If your results fall outside standard reference ranges, consult a healthcare provider to discuss what the findings may mean for you. They can help determine appropriate next steps, which may include lifestyle adjustments or further evaluation.
7. How often should I get tested, and why does regular monitoring matter?
Testing frequency depends on your individual health status and risk factors, so follow up as directed by your healthcare provider to determine what schedule is right for you. Regular monitoring of cardiovascular markers may support earlier awareness of changes over time, and tracking them alongside provider guidance can help inform conversations about lifestyle and health decisions.
Pre-test preparation
Maintain your regular diet for 2–3 weeks before testing. Fast for 12–14 hours, drinking only water. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours and stop biotin 72 hours before collection. Morning appointments are preferred. Continue prescribed medications unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.
Do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
