Know your numbers — really know them
Uncover and understand the key players in heart disease with a comprehensive lipoprotein particle profile.
Why particles, not just panels
Cardiovascular health refers to the well-being of your heart and blood vessels — making sure they function properly and stay healthy. We monitor lipoprotein levels, like LDL and HDL, because they can impact your risk of heart disease.
But understanding lipoprotein particles — such as LDL particle number and size — is even more important. These particles have individual associations with heart disease risk, giving you a clearer picture of your cardiovascular health and allowing more targeted interventions to stay healthy.
Our lab partner
Our lab partner, SpectraCell Laboratories, excels in cardiovascular testing by offering a comprehensive lipoprotein particle profile. This detailed analysis provides crucial insights into your individual risk factors for heart disease, allowing personalized interventions.
With SpectraCell’s advanced testing, you can proactively manage your cardiovascular health and make informed choices to stay heart-healthy.
The science in brief
Lipoprotein particles are tiny structures that transport cholesterol and fats in the bloodstream. They include LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). The composition, size, and number of these particles all impact heart health. High levels of LDL particles — particularly small, dense LDL — are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. In contrast, higher levels of large, fluffy HDL particles are linked to better cardiovascular health. Knowing your lipoprotein particle levels helps assess cardiovascular risk and guides preventive measures for a healthier heart.
What’s measured
Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver and found in certain foods. It performs crucial functions, including hormone production and cell membrane formation. Monitoring cholesterol matters because high levels can contribute to heart disease and other cardiovascular complications.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) particles help remove cholesterol from the bloodstream, transporting it back to the liver for processing. Higher HDL particle levels are associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, so knowing them helps assess heart health and guide prevention.
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) particles carry cholesterol from the liver to your cells. Elevated LDL particle levels — especially small, dense LDL — increase the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease, making them important markers for guiding interventions.
Triglycerides are a type of fat that serves as an energy source. Elevated levels can negatively impact cardiovascular health, impair blood vessel function, contribute to inflammation, and interfere with normal lipid metabolism — feeding metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes.
Lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), is a specific type of lipoprotein involved in lipid metabolism and clotting processes. Elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, so knowing yours helps assess individual cardiovascular risk.
Our medical staff can walk you through each marker and help you choose the profile that answers your questions about your heart.
Book a free consultation →Our cardiovascular health test kits
Lipoprotein fractionation and particle numbers, including:
Includes every value from the Basic Profile, with the addition of:
Schedule a time to speak with our medical staff to discuss your testing options and be sure you’re choosing the right test to reveal the information you need to meet your health goals.
Common questions
The Basic Profile covers lipoprotein fractionation and particle numbers — total cholesterol, total HDL particles, total LDL particles, triglycerides, and lipoprotein (a). The Plus Profile includes everything in the Basic Profile and adds hsCRP, homocysteine, apolipoprotein A-1, apolipoprotein B, and insulin.
Lipoprotein particles — their composition, size, and number — have individual associations with heart disease risk. High levels of small, dense LDL particles are associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis, while large HDL particles are linked to better cardiovascular health. Particle testing gives a clearer picture than standard lipid levels alone.
Schedule a free diagnostic testing consultation. Our medical staff will discuss your testing options and help you choose the profile that reveals the information you need to support your health goals.
Book a free appointment to discuss LPP testing with our medical staff and choose the profile that’s right for you.
