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Advanced Cardiovascular Testing: ApoB, Lp(a) & hs-CRP Panels
The risk markers a routine cholesterol test leaves out, measured in one blood draw.
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Advanced panels from $112.76 with the 20% promotion; the full range spans $15.63–$408.76 promotional (list $22.95–$510.95, at time of writing).
At a glance
Advanced cardiovascular testing measures risk markers that a standard cholesterol panel does not report: Apolipoprotein B (a count-based measure of atherogenic particles), Lipoprotein (a) (a largely inherited marker associated with atherosclerosis risk), hs-CRP and homocysteine (inflammation markers), and metabolic measures like hemoglobin A1c and insulin. It is built for people whose basic lipid results look fine, or borderline, but who want a deeper, particle-level and inflammation-aware view to discuss with their doctor.
Best suited for
- People whose standard cholesterol results are normal or borderline but who want particle-level detail like ApoB
- Adults with a family history of early cardiovascular events who have never had Lp(a) measured
- Anyone who wants inflammation markers (hs-CRP, homocysteine) tested alongside their lipids
- Data-driven adults tracking how lifestyle or medication changes move advanced markers over time
What's included
Cardio IQ™ Max Lipid Panel
8 tests, 27 biomarkers, advanced lipoprotein analysis
Cardio IQ™ Max Lipid Panel + Fibrinogen Antigen
9 tests, 28 biomarkers, adds fibrinogen antigen
Heart Health - Advanced
13 tests, 32 biomarkers, lipids, inflammation markers, blood glucose, and more
Heart Health - Comprehensive
16 tests, 36 biomarkers, cholesterol, inflammation, clotting, blood sugar, and kidney function markers
Heart Health - Basic Plus
6 tests, 14 biomarkers, mid-tier option with inflammation and metabolic markers
Heart Health - Basic
3 tests, 11 biomarkers, entry-level option beyond a lipid panel
Lipid Panel Test
1 test, 6 biomarkers, standard cholesterol baseline for comparison
Deep-dive the key markers: Fasting Glucose, HbA1c, Fasting Insulin, ApoB, LDL-C, HDL-C, Triglycerides, Lp(a), hs-CRP, TSH, Vitamin D
Key biomarker ranges
Commonly used adult reference ranges for markers this panel measures, labs vary, so always interpret results against your lab's stated ranges and with your doctor.
Commonly used reference ranges place fasting glucose at 70–99 mg/dL; results vary with sleep, stress, and recent illness, and labs differ slightly.
| Zone | Range |
|---|---|
| Low | 50–70 mg/dL |
| Optimal | 70–100 mg/dL |
| Prediabetic range | 100–126 mg/dL |
| Diabetic range | 126–160 mg/dL |
Commonly used reference ranges place HbA1c below 5.7%; conditions affecting red blood cells can skew results, so labs and clinicians interpret in context.
| Zone | Range |
|---|---|
| Optimal | 4–5.7 % |
| Prediabetic range | 5.7–6.5 % |
| Diabetic range | 6.5–10 % |
Commonly used reference ranges accept up to ~25 µIU/mL, but many clinicians view single-digit fasting insulin as the more informative target; assays vary by lab.
| Zone | Range |
|---|---|
| Low | 0–2 µIU/mL |
| Optimal | 2–10 µIU/mL |
| Above optimal | 10–25 µIU/mL |
| High | 25–30 µIU/mL |
The importance of testing
LDL cholesterol reports the amount of cholesterol carried in particles, but Apolipoprotein B counts the particles themselves, and particle number is a distinct marker associated with atherosclerosis risk. Measuring ApoB alongside ApoA1 shows the balance between atherogenic and protective lipoproteins, adding a dimension your standard panel does not capture.
Lipoprotein (a) is different again: it is largely determined by genetics, is not reflected in routine cholesterol results, and is typically worth measuring at least once. If your family history includes early cardiovascular events, an Lp(a) result gives you and your doctor a concrete data point rather than an open question.
Inflammation and metabolic markers round out the picture. hs-CRP tracks low-grade inflammation associated with cardiovascular risk, homocysteine is a marker associated with arterial stress, and glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and insulin show how blood sugar control and insulin resistance intersect with your lipid numbers. The largest panels add BNP, Cystatin C, Fibrinogen, Myeloperoxidase Antibody, Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, Vitamin D, and TSH.
Because many of these markers respond to diet, training, and medication, while others, like Lp(a), stay relatively stable, retesting over time separates what you can move from what you simply need to know about, and gives your doctor a far richer dataset to work from.
Promo code
ULTA2191Save 20% with code ULTA2191, current promotion; confirm final pricing on the partner page.
Ready to get your numbers? Order online, visit a nearby draw site, and receive private results to review with your doctor.
Order NowFrequently asked questions
What does advanced cardiovascular testing measure that a regular cholesterol test doesn't?
Advanced panels add Apolipoprotein B and ApoA1 (lipoprotein particle balance), Lipoprotein (a), inflammation markers like hs-CRP and homocysteine, and metabolic measures such as hemoglobin A1c and insulin, none of which appear on a standard lipid panel. The largest tiers also include BNP, Cystatin C, Fibrinogen, Myeloperoxidase Antibody, Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, Vitamin D, Sed Rate, and TSH.
Why measure ApoB if I already know my LDL cholesterol?
ApoB counts atherogenic lipoprotein particles directly, while LDL cholesterol measures the cholesterol those particles carry, and the two can diverge. ApoB is a marker associated with atherosclerosis risk that can add context when LDL alone looks unremarkable; it is a useful result to review with your doctor.
Is Lp(a) worth testing more than once?
Lp(a) is largely genetically determined and stays relatively stable, so a single measurement is often informative for years. Many people test it once to establish their level, then focus repeat testing on markers that respond to lifestyle and therapy, such as ApoB, hs-CRP, and A1c.
Can I order advanced cardiovascular tests without a doctor's referral?
Yes, these panels can be ordered directly online without a doctor's visit or referral. After a blood draw at a partner lab location, you receive results you can review yourself and bring to your healthcare provider.
Is this testing available in all US states?
No, direct-to-consumer lab testing is restricted or prohibited in New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, so residents of those states may be blocked at the partner's checkout. Residents of other states can generally order online and use a local draw site.
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