Cardiovascular Risk Profile

Overview

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is associated with more deaths than all cancers—and more deaths in women than breast cancer. 

This Cardiovascular Risk Profile evaluates a thorough battery of traditional and advanced biomarkers to aid in early detection and modification of risk factors. The test measures oxidized LDL, small dense LDL and Lp(a), which are higher in CVD patients and correlated with the severity of CVD. A total of 11 primary and secondary risk factors are evaluated to provide actionable information at a tremendous value. 

Risk Factors and Analysis

Lipoprotein-Related Biomarkers

Total and LDL cholesterol, total triglycerides and HDL cholesterol have traditionally been measured to gauge CVD risk. However, recent research indicates that more focused biomarkers can provide even greater insight.

For example, oxidized LDL is plaque-specific and directly involved in accelerated atherogenesis and late-stage atherosclerotic plaque instability and rupture. Small dense LDL exhibits greater penetration into the arterial wall and has a longer half-life as well as lower resistance to oxidation compared to that of large buoyant LDL. Circulating levels of these two markers are:

     1.  Strong independent CVD risk factors

     2.  Higher in CVD patients

     3.  Correlated with the severity of CVD

     4.  Not correlated with LDL cholesterol levels

In addition, levels of apolipoproteins A-1 and B, specific protein constituents of HDL and LDL, are also strong indicators of risk.