Cardiac and Heart Health Panels

**HS-CRP** is a crucial marker that measures the level of general inflammation in your body. Chronic, low-grade inflammation is a key driver of atherosclerosis (the hardening and narrowing of arteries). An elevated HS-CRP level can indicate an increased risk of a future heart attack, even in individuals with normal cholesterol levels.

This goes deeper than just HDL and LDL. **Apolipoprotein B (Apo B)** gives a direct count of all “bad” cholesterol particles. **Lipoprotein (a) or Lp(a)** is a largely genetic risk factor that can increase clotting and atherosclerosis. The ratio of **Apo B to Apo A1** (the main protein in “good” cholesterol) is considered by many experts to be a more accurate predictor of heart disease risk than standard cholesterol ratios.

Included in our Comprehensive panel, these tests assess active disease processes. **LP-PLA2** is an enzyme marker specific to vascular inflammation, indicating how “active” or “unstable” the plaque in your arteries might be. **Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK)** is an enzyme that can indicate muscle damage, including to the heart muscle.

**High-Sensitivity Troponin I** is a very sensitive marker that can detect minor heart muscle injury even before symptoms appear. **NT-proBNP** is a hormone released by the heart when it is under stress or strain. Elevated levels can be an early indicator of heart failure, helping doctors intervene much sooner.