Cardiac TestingA cardiac panel test—also called a heart health panel or cardiac risk panel—is a group of blood tests that help evaluate a person’s risk for heart disease or detect signs of current heart problems. A cardiac panel test is a proactive way to understand heart health and prevent problems before they start—or manage them more effectively if they already exist. It’s often recommended if your LDL is greater than 160 or you have a significant family history of heart disease (heart attack).
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Reasons to Get a Cardiac Panel Test
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Symptoms that May Indicate a Need to be Tested
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Cardiac Testing ComponentsApoA1 – The Good Cholesterol Sidekick
Think of ApoA1 as your body's cleanup crew for cholesterol. It's a protein that helps sweep "bad" cholesterol (LDL) out of your bloodstream and back to the liver where it can be broken down. When ApoA1 levels are low, that cleanup job doesn’t get done as well—which not only raises your risk for heart problems but has also been linked to higher chances of dying from certain cancers. It's like having too few janitors in a very messy building—trouble piles up. Lipoprotein(a) – The Sticky Troublemaker Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a special type of cholesterol-carrying fat in your blood that’s inherited from your parents. It's like a stickier version of LDL ("bad" cholesterol), making it more likely to gum up your arteries and cause dangerous blockages. On top of that, it promotes clotting and makes it harder for your body to break those clots down. Since it’s a genetic factor, you can’t fix it with lifestyle changes alone—but knowing your levels is key. Apolipoprotein B – The Risky Transport Truck ApoB is the protein that rides along with bad cholesterol (LDL), very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and triglycerides as they travel through your bloodstream. Picture ApoB as the truck delivering packages of cholesterol—too many trucks mean traffic jams (aka plaque in arteries). This makes ApoB a better indicator of heart disease risk than just measuring LDL alone. It’s not just about how much cholesterol you have—it’s how many delivery trucks are clogging your arteries. |
High-Sensitivity CRP – Your Body’s Smoke Alarm
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is like your body’s internal smoke detector—it doesn’t cause the fire, but it tells you when there’s inflammation smoldering beneath the surface. This inflammation can be an early sign of trouble in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Homocysteine – The Silent Artery Irritant Homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino acid, but when levels get too high, it acts like sandpaper on your blood vessels—roughing up artery walls, making them more prone to plaque buildup and blood clots. That damage can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke over time. The good news? Nutrients like B12, B6, and folate can help keep it in check. PLAC Test – Spotting Plaque Before It Strikes The PLAC test measures an enzyme called Lp-PLA2, which is like a red flag for inflamed blood vessels. If this enzyme is elevated, it means your arteries might be brewing plaque—sticky deposits that can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Catching it early gives you a head start on prevention before the real damage begins. |
Other Testing Options
Getting a CT Calcium scan is also a great option to check for plaque/calcium build up in the arteries. Jackie Tewes highly recommends this scan prior to initiating a statin drug. There are many side effects and risks to statins, so it is important to know if they are actually necessary. Read more>>
Cholesterol can be high on paper. This alone is not significant. Cholesterol is a GOOD thing for our body but can be bad if too much gets into our arteries! So high cholesterol on paper doesn’t automatically mean your risk of heart attack or stroke is higher. This needs to be explored further with your provider. You can request a cardiac panel at your next visit to our clinic.
Cholesterol can be high on paper. This alone is not significant. Cholesterol is a GOOD thing for our body but can be bad if too much gets into our arteries! So high cholesterol on paper doesn’t automatically mean your risk of heart attack or stroke is higher. This needs to be explored further with your provider. You can request a cardiac panel at your next visit to our clinic.
Supplements
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Omega3 + CoQ10
This nutraceutical combines EPA and DHA from pure fish oil with Coenzyme Q10 to support heart, blood vessel, brain, bone, and muscle health, as well as increased energy. Research has established the critical role of omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA in supporting cardiovascular health and blood vessel elasticity. The compound Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an intracellular (meaning present in the cells) antioxidant that supports the health of tissues and organs. It particularly benefits those cells that are most metabolically active, such as those in heart muscles. Although our body produces CoQ10, its production tends to decrease as we age. It’s unfortunate because CoQ10 is stored in the mitochondria, or the cell’s power source, where one of its primary functions is to generate energy for our cells. In Biote supplements, they combine CoQ10 with pure fish oil, which may help the body absorb and use CoQ10 better. When this supplement is taken daily, Biote OMEGA 3 + CoQ10 may promote normal cardiovascular function, blood vessel function, and brain health. |
Sytrinol LNA (a statin alternative) is a targeted lipid & metabolism support formula designed to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and optimize metabolic function.
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