Advanced lipid testing is a tool used to assess a person’s cardiovascular health and risk of developing heart disease or stroke. It helps to identify imbalances in cholesterol levels that can increase the risk of certain types of cardiovascular problems. Advanced lipid testing goes beyond traditional cholesterol tests and provides more detailed information about a person's lipids, such as particle size and number along with other beneficial and potentially harmful components in the bloodstream.
Cholesterol is an essential component of all cell membranes, plus it can be converted into hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D by the body. Cholesterol also aids in digestion, but when there are too much cholesterol particles in our blood circulation it can lead to fatty deposits on arterial walls which can lead to heart disease.
There are two types of cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is known as the “bad” cholesterol because it can build up on artery walls and cause blockages when there is too much. HDL, on the other hand, is considered the “good” cholesterol since it helps to remove excess LDL from the circulation. An advanced lipid test will measure both of these cholesterol components along with triglycerides which are a type of fat found in our blood.
Advanced lipid testing provides more accurate results than traditional tests due to its ability to measure additional parameters such as particle number and size. For example, dense LDL particles are more likely to deposit on artery walls than large buoyant LDL particles. This type of information is invaluable for assessing an individual’s risk factors for cardiovascular disease and developing a treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs.
In addition to measuring cholesterol levels, advanced lipid testing can also measure inflammation markers in the blood such as C-reactive protein (CRP). High levels of CRP indicate the presence of inflammation in the body which can damage arteries and lead to atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries. Inflammation can be caused by infections or other diseases, so it is important to test for this marker as part of a comprehensive assessment.
While traditional lipid testing may be adequate for some people, many individuals may benefit from advanced lipid testing. It provides more detailed results and can help to identify potential risk factors that may not be detected through traditional methods.
If you are concerned about your cardiovascular health or think that you may have an imbalance in your cholesterol levels, speak to us about whether advanced lipid testing is right for you. An accurate assessment of your cardiovascular health is essential when it comes to developing a plan to protect your heart and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Start the path to lively up your health today! Fill out the form and we will be in touch with you shortly to schedule your consultation!
