Cardiovascular health is hugely important for overall wellness, as heart disease is a leading cause of death globally. Monitoring your heart health involves a comprehensive understanding of several biomarkers that can reveal underlying risks. At Salient, our cardiovascular pathology package is one of a large number of customisable pathology packages we offer, and is a valuable tool for assessing cardiovascular risks, offering insights through tests like HbA1c, C-Reactive Protein, cholesterol levels, HDL, LDL and triglycerides. If you would like to know more about our extensive range of pathology markers, or about how we can help with customisable large-scale pathology testing, visit our pathology testing packages and markers page or contact us to speak to a member of the team. Below, we've gone into greater detail about each component included in our cardiovascular package and how it contributes to a clearer picture of cardiovascular health.
HbA1c, or glycated haemoglobin, measures average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. High HbA1c levels indicate poor blood sugar control, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in those with diabetes. By assessing HbA1c, individuals can understand their risk for diabetes-related heart issues and make necessary lifestyle changes.
C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver as a response to inflammation. Heightened CRP levels can be linked to inflammation in the arteries, which can contribute to atherosclerosis, which is a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow. High CRP is a red flag for cardiovascular risk and highlights the need for anti-inflammatory lifestyle adjustments, like improved diet and stress management.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is essential for cell function, however excess levels in the blood increase cardiovascular risk. Total cholesterol is a cumulative measure of all cholesterol types, with high levels signaling potential cardiovascular risk. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) is often referred to as “good” cholesterol, as HDL helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream. Higher HDL levels are protective for the heart. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is known as “bad” cholesterol, and high LDL levels can lead to plaque formation in the arteries. Lowering LDL is key to heart health. A HDL percentage total test gives a ratio that helps assess the balance of good to total cholesterol, with a higher percentage generally indicating better cardiovascular health.
Non-HDL cholesterol readings provide a clearer picture of harmful cholesterol types, including LDL and other lipid particles associated with plaque formation. Monitoring this value helps refine cardiovascular risk and target lifestyle or medical interventions.
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. High triglyceride levels are linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. These conditions are often exacerbated by poor dietary choices and lack of regular physical exercise, making them an important marker to monitor for reducing heart disease risk.
Vitamin D plays a role in cardiovascular health by supporting blood pressure regulation and inflammation control. Deficiency has been associated with higher risks of heart disease. Testing Vitamin D levels ensures that individuals maintain optimal levels for heart and immune health.
Iron is hugely important for oxygen transport in the blood, with ferritin acting as the body’s storage form of iron. Both low and high levels can strain the heart, impacting cardiovascular health. Tracking these levels helps ensure that oxygen is effectively delivered throughout the body, supporting healthy heart function.
Our cardiovascular pathology package provides a comprehensive overview of various markers linked to heart health. By regularly monitoring these parameters, individuals and large-scale institutions such as clinics and universities, gain valuable insights into potential risks and areas for improvement.
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Clinical Review: The information on this page has been reviewed for clinical accuracy by Dr. Marta Ciechonska Ph.D, microbiologist.