Cardio IQ Panel – What Are We Testing?
Lipoprotein Subclasses by Ion Mobility
Smaller low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles can cause plaque build-up to progress faster than larger LDL particles.
Having too many smaller LDL particles is a powerful risk factor for a heart attack.
Larger HDL particles are helpful with cholesterol removal. Low levels of the large HDL particles can increase your risk for heart disease.
Certain medications, proper nutrition, weight loss with regular exercise, and stopping tobacco use can help your body produce fewer small LDL particles and improve large HDL levels.
Apolipoprotein B (apoB) – LDL particle number
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) – LDL particle number
ApoB is a direct measurement of the number of lipoprotein particles.
A high Apo B number indicates increased risk for heart disease.
Certain medications, improved eating habits, increased physical activity, and loss of body fat are some of the ways to improve Apo.
Lp(a) Extended Range
High levels of Lp(a) are associated with increased coagulation and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Lp(a) levels may be influenced by genetics. Diet and exercise have limited effect to no effect on lowering Lp(a) however certain medications or supplements can lower levels or mitigate the effects.
Homocysteine
High levels of homocysteine can cause injury to blood vessel walls, increasing risk for heart
disease and stroke.
Nutrition, such as increasing intake of folate-rich foods, plays an important role in reducing levels of homocysteine.
Lp – PLA2 – Inflammation in the Artery
Lp-PLA2 – Inflammation in the Artery
Lp-PLA2 is a marker for vascular-specific inflammation and also plays a causal role in the vascular inflammatory process, leading to the formation of vulnerable, rupture-prone plaque.
Elevated levels have been shown to be powerful predictors of ischemic stroke and heart attack risk.
HS-Cardio CRP
High levels of C-Reactive protein (CRP) indicate inflammation due to infection or tissue injury.
In large epidemiologic studies, elevated levels of CRP have been shown to be a strong indicator of CVD.
Modestly elevated CRP levels may be associated with increased heart disease risk. IF both CRP and Lp-PLA2 levels are high, risk for a heart attack or stroke increases significantly.
Certain medications and foods may have anti-inflammatory benefits.
