Cardiovascular Panel

Total cholesterol, HDL (protective), LDL (harmful), and triglycerides. The starting point for cardiovascular assessment — but far from the complete picture.

ApoB is a better predictor of heart disease than LDL cholesterol. Each dangerous lipoprotein particle carries one ApoB molecule, making it the most accurate count of particles that can clog your arteries.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein measures vascular inflammation — the process that actually causes plaque to form and rupture. Elevated hs-CRP doubles cardiovascular risk independent of cholesterol levels.

An amino acid that damages blood vessel walls when elevated. High homocysteine is linked to B12 and folate deficiency — common in women — and significantly increases stroke and heart disease risk.

A genetic risk factor that affects 1 in 5 people and is never tested on routine panels. Elevated Lp(a) doubles heart disease risk and can't be lowered with diet or statins — but knowing your level changes how aggressively other risk factors should be managed.

An enzyme associated with inflamed, unstable arterial plaque — the kind most likely to rupture and cause a heart attack. Especially valuable for assessing risk in women with borderline cholesterol.

Advanced particle testing that measures the size and number of your LDL particles. Small, dense LDL particles are far more dangerous than large, fluffy ones — and women are more likely to have the dangerous small particle pattern.

A protein involved in blood clotting. Elevated fibrinogen increases heart attack and stroke risk, and is particularly important for women on estrogen-containing birth control or hormone therapy.