Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions, most commonly coronary artery disease (CAD), which affects blood flow to the heart and can lead to heart attack.
Key Insight
Half of heart attacks occur in people with "normal" LDL cholesterol. Advanced markers like ApoB, Lp(a), and hs-CRP can reveal hidden risk that standard tests miss.
Core diagnostic markers for heart disease / cardiovascular. These are used to diagnose and monitor your condition.
The primary driver of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup). Lowering LDL reduces heart disease risk.
Known as "good" cholesterol. HDL helps remove other cholesterol from your bloodstream.
High triglycerides contribute to hardening of arteries and increase heart disease risk.
Heart Disease / Cardiovascular affects multiple body systems. Monitor these to catch complications early.
Standard lipid panels may miss important risk factors. Advanced markers provide deeper insight.
Genetically determined, not affected by lifestyle. High Lp(a) doubles or triples CV risk.
Below 30 mg/dL (desirable). Above 50 significantly increases risk
Includes all "bad" cholesterol types. Better predictor than LDL alone in some cases.
Below 130 mg/dL
Inflammation plays a key role in atherosclerosis. Even with normal cholesterol, high inflammation increases risk.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Predicts CV events independent of cholesterol.
Below 1 mg/L (low risk), 1-3 (moderate), above 3 (high risk)
High levels damage artery linings and promote clotting. Often elevated with B vitamin deficiencies.
Below 15 μmol/L
Metabolic syndrome and diabetes dramatically increase heart disease risk
Even prediabetes (A1c 5.7-6.4%) increases cardiovascular risk.
Below 5.7% (normal)
Insulin resistance is a component of metabolic syndrome.
Below 100 mg/dL
Heart disease risk is determined by multiple interconnected factors: cholesterol levels, inflammation, blood sugar control, blood pressure, and kidney function. A single high LDL reading doesn't tell the whole story. Looking at advanced lipids (ApoB, Lp(a)), inflammation markers (hs-CRP), and metabolic health together gives a complete picture.
Understanding how heart disease / cardiovascular connects to other conditions helps you see the bigger picture.
When you select Heart Disease / Cardiovascular as your health focus, these categories are prioritized in your dashboard:
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