Cardiovascular Testing: Keep Your Blood Pumping

High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Repeat this test to reassess your levels if you are receiving homocysteine-lowering nutritional therapies.

The C-reactive protein (CRP) blood test measures the degree of inflammation occurring in your body--high levels of which are associated with cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and other concerns.

LDL, HDL and triglyceride testing only tells part of the story when it comes to heart disease risk. The NMR LipoProfile® test provides these standard lipid tests along with LDL and HDL particle values, plus risk assessment for insulin resistance.

The apolipoprotein B (ApoB) blood test measures apolipoprotein B100, the ApoB protein that is associated with three different forms of potentially dangerous cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL).

Lipoproteins are substances made of protein and fat. They transport cholesterol through your bloodstream, but they’re not all the same size. Small, dense lipoproteins increase your risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease—and standard lipid tests don’t measure them. This one does.

The Cardio Core Essentials Panel Blood Test is essential to evaluate cardiovascular disease risk. This test includes a CBC/chemistry profile, lipid panel, apolipoprotein B test and a C-reactive protein (CRP) test.

Variants in the ApoE gene are associated with the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease. This cheek swab test determines which of the E2, E3, or E4 variants of ApoE you have, thereby assessing your level of genetic risk.

LDL, HDL and triglycerides are major risk factors for heart disease—but cholesterol isn’t the only threat. NMR LipoProfile® PLUS Blood Test measures cholesterol, LDL and HDL particle values, insulin resistance (LP-IR) and important cardiac inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein and myeloperoxidase. This panel now includes Oxidized LDL, an important measure of pro-inflammatory oxidized cholesterol particles.

This test measures blood levels of the antioxidant CoQ10, a coenzyme that is made in the body and is needed for the production of energy by nearly all cells.

An important test to determine the risk of cardiovascular disease, this measures the ratio of apolipoprotein A1 (apo A-1) and apolipoprotein B (apo B).

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is one of the main causes of the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in the arterial wall. This blood test measures levels of oxidized LDL.

Lp-PLA2 activity helps predict whether you're at risk for a cardiac event. This test measures the function of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), an inflammatory marker critical in rupture-prone plaque formation.

The Stroke Risk Profile includes tests for inflammatory/clotting markers, insulin resistance markers, lipid markers, markers of kidney and liver function, red and white blood cell counts, platelet count and markers of anemia.

Get a clear picture of how much omega-3 you're truly consuming, as well as your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This test measures your omega-3 index, trans fat index, and more with just a drop of blood.

Are you at risk for increased plaque on your arteries? Testing for myeloperoxidase (MPO) measures levels of an enzyme that oxidizes low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which could lead to increased arterial plaque formation.

This test is used as a general marker of cell injury from lactic dehydrogenase. This enzyme is found in the majority of the body’s cells and is released into the blood stream when cell damage or the destruction of cells occur.

This test measures galectin-3, a marker for heart failure that may also act indicate cancer growth and has been associated with a greater risk of a shorter lifespan.

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) is “bad” cholesterol modified by oxidation. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) oxidizes LDL. MPO is an enzyme released by white blood cells that measures the body’s response to damage in the artery walls.

A "normal" cholesterol test may not tell the whole story; high levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which this test checks for, may indicate coronary disease, metabolic syndrome and other concerns.

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a small protein secreted by the ventricles of the heart in response to excessive stretching of the heart muscle’s cells. The N-terminal fragment of BNP is a sensitive marker of cardiac dysfunction.