Heart Health

Lp-PLA2 (lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2) is an enzyme that reflects inflammation in artery walls. High levels are linked to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) is a protein made in the liver that rises with inflammation. A low level is associated with a lower heart disease risk.

Lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), is a genetically inherited cholesterol particle similar to LDL. Guidelines recommend that every adult have Lp(a) measured at least once.

Homocysteine is an amino acid linked with folate, B12, and B6 metabolism. Healthy levels are also linked to a lower risk of heart disease.

The Total Cholesterol-to-HDL ratio looks at how your overall cholesterol levels stack up against your protective HDL, giving a clear sense of whether your lipid balance is working in your favor. A higher ratio suggests the harmful side is outweighing the protective, which can signal greater cardiovascular risk.

The LDL-to-ApoB ratio compares total LDL cholesterol against the number of particles carrying it, revealing whether LDL is made up of larger, less harmful particles or smaller, more dangerous ones. A lower ratio can indicate a higher concentration of small dense LDL particles, which carry greater risk of heart disease.

The Triglyceride-to-HDL ratio reflects the balance between harmful circulating fats and protective cholesterol in the blood. Elevated ratios are strongly associated with insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, and increased risk of heart disease.

The NLR measures the relationship between neutrophils and lymphocytes in the blood, offering insight into systemic inflammation and immune balance. Research increasingly associates elevated NLR with higher cardiovascular risk.

Non-HDL cholesterol measures all the “bad” cholesterol in your blood, including LDL and other harmful particles that can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries.

ApoB measures the main protein found in LDL and other “bad” cholesterol particles that can build up as plaque in your arteries. It provides a more accurate view of cardiovascular risk by counting the number of these harmful particles, not just the cholesterol they carry.

LDL (“bad”) cholesterol carries cholesterol through your bloodstream, but when levels get too high, it can build up in your arteries as plaque, narrowing blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

HDL cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol because it removes cholesterol from artery walls and helps keep blood vessels clear, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Triglycerides are fats in your blood that your body uses for energy, but high levels can build up from excess calories and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and pancreatitis.

Total cholesterol measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including LDL and HDL. Levels help determine whether you’re at high risk for heart disease.