Lipids and Heart Health

Master Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis

Lipids and Heart Health

Cholesterol

Importance: Essential for cell membrane structure and hormone production.

Functions:

  • Precursor for steroid hormones and bile acids.

Abnormal Levels: Elevated levels can lead to cardiovascular disease.

LDL Cholesterol

Importance: Known as "bad" cholesterol; high levels contribute to atherosclerosis.

Functions:

  • Transports cholesterol to cells but can build up in artery walls.

Abnormal Levels: High levels increase risk of heart disease.

Lipoprotein (A)

Importance: A type of lipoprotein associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Functions:

  • Involved in cholesterol transport.

Abnormal Levels: Elevated levels are linked to a higher risk of heart disease.

Triglycerides

Importance: A major type of fat found in the blood; high levels can lead to heart disease.

Functions:

  • Provide energy to the body.

Abnormal Levels: High triglycerides are often associated with obesity and diabetes.

VLDL Cholesterol

Importance: Very low-density lipoprotein; transports triglycerides in the blood.

Functions:

  • Delivers triglycerides to tissues for energy or storage.

Abnormal Levels: High VLDL levels can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries.

HDL Cholesterol

Importance: Known as "good" cholesterol; helps remove LDL from the bloodstream.

Functions:

  • Transports cholesterol to the liver for excretion.

Abnormal Levels: Low HDL levels can increase heart disease risk.

Apolipoprotein B/A1 Ratio

Importance: Indicator of cardiovascular risk; reflects balance between "good" and "bad" cholesterol.

Functions:

  • Apolipoprotein B is found in LDL, while A1 is found in HDL.

Abnormal Levels: An elevated ratio suggests higher cardiovascular risk.

CHO/HDL Ratio

Importance: A measure of cholesterol relative to HDL levels; used to assess cardiovascular risk.

Functions:

  • A higher ratio indicates a greater risk of heart disease.

LDL/HDL Ratio

Importance: Compares LDL (bad cholesterol) to HDL (good cholesterol); important for assessing heart health.

Functions:

  • A higher ratio indicates a greater risk of heart disease.

Homocysteine

Importance: An amino acid that, at high levels, is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Functions:

  • Affects blood vessel health and function.

Abnormal Levels: Elevated homocysteine levels may indicate a higher risk of heart disease.

Non-HDL Cholesterol

Importance: Total cholesterol minus HDL; includes all potentially harmful cholesterol.

Functions:

  • A valuable measure of cardiovascular risk.

TGL/HDL Ratio

Importance: A ratio that assesses triglyceride levels relative to HDL cholesterol.

Functions:

  • A higher ratio indicates increased cardiovascular risk.

Small Dense LDL Cholesterol (sdLDL)

Importance: A subtype of LDL cholesterol that is more atherogenic than standard LDL.

Functions:

  • Easily penetrates arterial walls, contributing to plaque formation.

TyG Index

Importance: A composite index based on triglycerides and glucose; used to assess insulin resistance.

Lp-PLA2

Importance: An enzyme linked to inflammation in blood vessels; associated with cardiovascular risk.

Lp-PLA2 Activity

Importance: Measures the activity of Lp-PLA2 enzyme; higher activity indicates greater cardiovascular risk.

Omega-3 Index (RBC EPA DHA)

Importance: Measures the level of omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cells; important for heart health.

Arachidonic Acid to EPA Ratio

Importance: Compares pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid to anti-inflammatory EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).

Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio

Importance: Assesses balance between inflammatory omega-6 and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.

Transfat Index

Importance: Measures trans fat levels in the diet; high intake is linked to heart disease.

Oxidised LDL

Importance: A form of LDL that has undergone oxidation; highly atherogenic and contributes to plaque buildup.

Coronary Artery Calcium Score

Importance: Indicates presence of coronary artery disease through calcium buildup in arteries.

Coronary Artery Intima Media Thickness (CIMT)

Importance: Measures thickness of artery walls; thicker walls indicate atherosclerosis.

Blood Pressure

Importance: The force of blood against artery walls; essential for assessing cardiovascular health.

Myeloperoxidase

Importance: An enzyme associated with inflammation; elevated levels indicate increased cardiovascular risk.

F2 Isoprostanes

Importance: Biomarkers of oxidative stress; elevated levels are linked to various diseases including cardiovascular disease.