Cardiovascular Health

The Cardiovascular Health test provides a comprehensive assessment of your heart and blood vessel health by measuring key lipid and inflammation markers. It includes total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) to evaluate your lipid balance and inflammatory status. This test helps identify potential risks for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions, offering valuable insights into how your lifestyle, diet, and metabolism impact your heart health. It’s ideal for individuals monitoring cholesterol levels, assessing cardiovascular risk, or supporting long-term heart wellness. Frequently Asked Questions What biomarkers does this test include? The cardiovascular health panel includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, Lp(a) (lipoprotein a), ApoB (apolipoprotein B), hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), and HbA1c (diabetes risk marker). These provide a comprehensive picture of your heart disease risk. Why is this better than a standard cholesterol test? A standard cholesterol test measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. This panel adds Lp(a), ApoB, and hs-CRP — three markers that research shows are more predictive of cardiovascular events than LDL alone. Lp(a) is genetically determined and affects 1 in 5 people. Do I need to fast? Yes, fast for 10-12 hours before the test. This is essential for accurate triglyceride and glucose measurements. I'm young — do I need a heart health test? Heart disease develops over decades. High cholesterol and inflammation can be present in your 20s and 30s with no symptoms. The British Heart Foundation recommends knowing your cholesterol levels from age 40, but earlier testing is advisable if you have a family history of heart disease. How does this compare to the NHS Health Check? The NHS Health Check is only available to adults aged 40-74, every 5 years, and covers basic cholesterol plus blood pressure. This test is available at any age and includes advanced markers like Lp(a), ApoB, and hs-CRP that the NHS check does not include. What is Lp(a) and why should I measure it? Lipoprotein(a) is a genetic cardiovascular risk factor that affects approximately 20% of the population. High Lp(a) significantly increases heart attack and stroke risk, independent of LDL cholesterol. It only needs to be tested once as levels are largely determined by genetics.