Advanced Heart Health

The breakdown of your total cholesterol comprises two primary constituents, namely HDL (good) cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol. However, harmful cholesterol types in your blood extend beyond LDL and encompass VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins) and other lipoproteins that are believed to be even more detrimental than LDL cholesterol. Non-HDL cholesterol is obtained by deducting your HDL cholesterol value from the total cholesterol value. Consequently, it incorporates all the non-protective and potentially harmful cholesterol in your blood, not just LDL. Thus, it is considered a better indicator of cardiovascular risk compared to total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The recommended non-HDL cholesterol level is below 4 mmol/L.

Cholesterol is a crucial lipid or fat present in the body. Despite its infamous reputation, it serves significant functions such as building cell membranes and synthesizing crucial hormones such as testosterone and oestradiol. The liver is responsible for manufacturing cholesterol, but it also originates from the food we consume. Although various types of cholesterol exist, the two primary elements of total cholesterol are HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which is defensive against heart disease, and LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which can contribute to cardiovascular disease when present in high levels. A total cholesterol result on its own has limited value in assessing the risk of heart disease. High levels of HDL cholesterol can cause an elevated total cholesterol result, yet may provide protection against heart disease. Conversely, an individual can have a normal total cholesterol level but have low levels of protective HDL cholesterol. The most significant factors are the levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol, and the proportion of total cholesterol that comprises protective HDL cholesterol. The cholesterol profile presents a detailed breakdown of the components of total cholesterol.

Apolipoprotein B is the principal protein found in low-density lipoproteins (LDL), commonly referred to as "bad cholesterol." Its primary function is to transport cholesterol to tissues throughout the body.

The Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A-I ratio (ApoB/ApoA-I ratio) measures the amount of unhealthy Apolipoprotein B relative to the amount of protective Apolipoprotein A-I in the blood. An optimal ratio is typically below 1, as higher results suggest an increased risk of future heart attacks or strokes.

Lipoproteins serve as carriers for cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream. Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a known risk factor for heart disease, particularly when LDL cholesterol levels are also elevated. Elevated Lp(a) levels can hasten the development of plaques in the arteries, resulting in their narrowing and hardening. The concentration of Lp(a) in the blood is primarily influenced by genetics and tends to remain relatively stable throughout an individual's life.

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an enzyme that contributes to the inflammation of blood vessels and the formation of plaque in the coronary arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. As Lp-PLA2 is produced within the plaque, it is considered to be a more sensitive marker for assessing cardiovascular disease risk compared to traditional inflammatory markers like CRP. Therefore, measuring Lp-PLA2 levels in the blood can help identify individuals who are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.