Most people have had their cholesterol checked. Far fewer have had their actual cardiovascular risk measured, which requires different markers.
What it covers
- ApoB — the number of atherogenic particles, a better predictor than LDL cholesterol
- Lipoprotein(a) — largely genetic, measured once in a lifetime, rarely tested
- Full lipid panel with particle size
- hs-CRP and homocysteine
- Vascular age assessment and, where indicated, virtual angiography
How it is performed
A venous draw, combined with non-invasive vascular assessment in the clinic.
How to prepare
Fast for ten to twelve hours. Bring any previous lipid results, including from your GP — a trend across years is far more informative than one number.
How we read it
ApoB drives the treatment decision, not LDL. A high Lp(a) does not change day-to-day life but does change how aggressively we manage everything else that is modifiable.