Many people who have heart attacks have normal blood pressure and cholesterol. Research suggests that cholesterol levels are not the only important factor when looking at cardiovascular risk but that the type and size of the particles and the presence or absence of other lipoproteins can have a significant impact on the level of risk. The CV Health profile offers a holistic look of cardiovascular health, assessing a full range of biomarkers that influence cardiovascular risk.

The profile includes:

• Lipid biomarkers
• LDL, HDL, Total cholesterol, Triglycerides
• LDL – particle number and size – a high number of this type of cholesterol is a risk factor arterial plaque development 
• HDL – particle number and size – generally considered to be the good type of cholesterol a high number is considered protective
• Lp(a) – Lipoprotein(a) – high levels are a risk factor for heart disease especially when LDL levels are also high
• Risk factors
• High Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) – marker for inflammation, high levels are linked to increased risk of blood clots and increased risk of damage to the lining of blood vessels
• Lp-PLA2 (PLAC) – an enzyme that plays a role in inflammation and may promote atherosclerosis
• Fibrinogen – an important factor in clotting and high levels increase the risk of blood clot formation
• Homocysteine – an amino acid linked to damage of blood vessel linings, arterial plaques and risk of blood clots
• Insulin resistance score – Insulin resistance is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes development, it promotes inflammation and the formation of arterial plaques

Blood

14 days