Ulta Lab Tests

Atherosclerosis & Coronary Heart Disease Risk Refinement Panel

Advanced cardiovascular panel measuring lipoprotein particle size and number, ApoB, Lipoprotein (a), hs-CRP, homocysteine, TSH, and a full lipid profile. Designed to refine atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease risk assessment beyond standard cholesterol testing, this panel supports deeper evaluation of arterial health, inflammation, and metabolic influences.

Serum, Blood
Phlebotomist

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Apolipoprotein B

Also known as: Homocysteine, Homocysteine Cardiovascular

HOMOCYSTEINE,

Also known as: C-Reactive Protein, Cardio CRP, Cardio hs-CRP, CRP, High Sensitivity CRP, High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein, High-sensitivity CRP, Highly Sensitive CRP, hsCRP, Ultra-sensitive CRP

Hs Crp

A high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test may be used by itself, in combination with other cardiac risk markers, or in combination with a lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) test that evaluates vascular inflammation. The hs-CRP test accurately detects low concentrations of C-reactive protein to help predict a healthy person's risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). High-sensitivity CRP is promoted by some as a test for determining a person's risk level for CVD, heart attacks, and strokes. The current thinking is that hs-CRP can play a role in the evaluation process before a person develops one of these health problems.

Also known as: Cholesterol, HDL,Fasting Lipids,Cholesterol, LDL, Fasting Lipids, Lipid Panel (fasting), Lipid Profile (fasting), Lipids

Chol/HDLC Ratio

Cholesterol, Total

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood and stick to the walls of your arteries. This is called plaque. Plaque can narrow your arteries or even block them. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. You are likely to have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight or if you eat a lot of fatty foods. You can lower your cholesterol by exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables. You also may need to take medicine to lower your cholesterol.

HDL Cholesterol

LDL-Cholesterol

Non HDL Cholesterol

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a form of fat and a major source of energy for the body. This test measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood. Most triglycerides are found in fat (adipose) tissue, but some triglycerides circulate in the blood to provide fuel for muscles to work. After a person eats, an increased level of triglycerides is found in the blood as the body converts the energy not needed right away into fat. Triglycerides move via the blood from the gut to adipose tissue for storage. In between meals, triglycerides are released from fat tissue to be used as an energy source for the body. Most triglycerides are carried in the blood by lipoproteins called very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). High levels of triglycerides in the blood are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), although the reason for this is not well understood. Certain factors can contribute to high triglyceride levels and to risk of CVD, including lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking cigarettes, consuming excess alcohol, and medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.

Also known as: Lipoprotein A, Lp (a), Lp(a)

Lipoprotein (A)

Lipoprotein-a, or Lp(a) are molecules made of proteins and fat. They carry cholesterol and similar substances through the blood. A high level of Lp(a) is considered a risk factor for heart disease. High levels of lipoproteins can increase the risk of heart disease. The test is done to check your risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack.

Also known as: Ion Mobility, Cardio IQ Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility , HDL Subfractions, IDL Subfractions, LDL Subfractions, Lipoprotein Fraction, Lipoprotein Fractionation, Lipoprotein Fractionation Ion Mobility Cardio IQ, Quest Diagnostics has replaced the VAP® Cholesterol Test with Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility, Cardio IQ™ test

HDL Large

LDL Medium

LDL Particle Number

LDL Pattern

LDL Peak Size

LDL Small

Also known as: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test, Thyrotropin Test

TSH

A TSH test is a lab test that measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It tells the thyroid gland to make and release thyroid hormones into the blood.
*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through a national lab. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

The Atherosclerosis & Coronary Heart Disease Risk Refinement Panel panel contains 7 tests with 17 biomarkers .

Advanced Cardiovascular Risk Stratification Beyond Standard Cholesterol Testing

The Atherosclerosis & Coronary Heart Disease Risk Refinement Panel is an advanced cardiovascular testing profile designed to provide a deeper evaluation of atherosclerotic risk beyond a traditional lipid panel. While standard cholesterol testing remains an important screening tool, it does not always fully capture lipoprotein particle burden, inflammatory activity, genetic risk factors, or metabolic contributors to coronary heart disease (CHD). This panel integrates advanced lipid fractionation, apolipoprotein measurement, inflammatory markers, metabolic indicators, and thyroid function testing to deliver a more refined cardiovascular risk assessment.

Atherosclerosis—the gradual buildup of plaque within arterial walls—is influenced by multiple interconnected factors, including lipoprotein particle concentration, particle size, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, metabolic stress, and hormonal balance. This panel evaluates each of these domains through the following components:

  • Lipid Panel

  • Lipoprotein Fractionation by Ion Mobility (Cardio IQ®)

  • Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)

  • Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)]

  • High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)

  • Homocysteine

  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

By combining structural lipoprotein analysis with inflammation, vascular risk, and thyroid evaluation, this panel supports a comprehensive, data-driven approach to coronary heart disease risk refinement. It is particularly useful when standard lipid results do not fully explain cardiovascular risk or when more detailed stratification is clinically appropriate.

When and Why Someone Would Order This Panel

Refining Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

This panel is commonly ordered when a more advanced cardiovascular risk evaluation is needed. Individuals with borderline or moderately elevated LDL cholesterol may require further analysis to determine whether their lipoprotein particle burden or small dense LDL particles increase atherosclerotic risk beyond what standard measurements suggest.

Healthcare providers may recommend this panel when:

  • There is a family history of premature coronary artery disease

  • Standard lipid results appear inconsistent with overall clinical risk

  • There is known or suspected subclinical atherosclerosis

  • Additional risk stratification is desired for prevention planning

Evaluating Persistent or Unexplained Cardiovascular Risk

Some individuals experience cardiovascular events despite having LDL cholesterol levels within standard reference ranges. Advanced lipid fractionation and ApoB testing can identify elevated atherogenic particle numbers not reflected in LDL-C alone. Elevated Lp(a), a genetically influenced lipoprotein variant, may further explain inherited cardiovascular risk.

Assessing Inflammatory and Metabolic Contributors

Chronic low-grade inflammation plays a critical role in plaque development and instability. hs-CRP provides a sensitive measure of systemic inflammation associated with cardiovascular risk. Homocysteine levels may contribute to endothelial dysfunction and vascular injury when elevated.

Thyroid function, assessed via TSH, can also influence lipid metabolism. Subclinical hypothyroidism may contribute to unfavorable lipid patterns and cardiovascular risk, making thyroid evaluation a valuable component of a comprehensive assessment.

Monitoring Long-Term Cardiovascular Health

This panel may also be used for ongoing monitoring in individuals actively managing cardiovascular risk factors through lifestyle modification or medical therapy. By evaluating trends across multiple biomarkers, providers can better understand changes in arterial health over time.

What Does the Panel Measure

Lipid Panel

The Lipid Panel measures:

  • Total Cholesterol

  • LDL Cholesterol

  • HDL Cholesterol

  • Triglycerides

These markers form the foundation of cardiovascular risk assessment and help evaluate overall cholesterol balance.

Lipoprotein Fractionation by Ion Mobility (Cardio IQ®)

Ion mobility fractionation provides a direct measurement of lipoprotein particle numbers and size distribution. This advanced testing differentiates between small, dense LDL particles and larger LDL particles. Smaller, denser LDL particles are more strongly associated with atherosclerotic plaque formation.

This analysis offers greater precision than calculated LDL cholesterol alone.

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)

ApoB represents the total number of atherogenic lipoprotein particles, including LDL and VLDL. Because each atherogenic particle contains one ApoB molecule, this test provides a direct count of particles capable of contributing to plaque formation.

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)]

Lp(a) is a genetically determined lipoprotein associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease and aortic valve calcification. Elevated Lp(a) is largely inherited and may not significantly respond to lifestyle changes.

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)

hs-CRP measures low-level systemic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can promote plaque progression and instability, contributing to increased cardiovascular risk.

Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid that, when elevated, may be associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased cardiovascular risk. Levels can be influenced by genetic factors and vitamin status.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

TSH evaluates thyroid function. Thyroid imbalance, particularly hypothyroidism, can affect cholesterol metabolism and may contribute to elevated LDL and triglyceride levels.

How Patients and Healthcare Providers Use the Results

Identifying Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) Risk

Providers use ApoB and lipoprotein fractionation results to assess atherogenic particle burden. Elevated ApoB or a predominance of small dense LDL particles may indicate higher risk for:

  • Coronary artery disease

  • Carotid artery disease

  • Peripheral artery disease

These insights may guide further diagnostic evaluation or preventive strategies.

Clarifying Genetic Risk

Elevated Lp(a) identifies inherited cardiovascular risk that may not be apparent from traditional lipid testing. Recognizing elevated Lp(a) supports more personalized long-term risk planning.

Monitoring Inflammation and Vascular Health

hs-CRP helps evaluate inflammatory contributions to plaque development. Persistent elevation may support additional cardiovascular evaluation.

Addressing Metabolic and Hormonal Influences

Elevated homocysteine levels may prompt evaluation of nutritional or metabolic factors. Abnormal TSH results may indicate thyroid dysfunction that contributes to dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk.

Supporting Personalized Risk Management

By integrating advanced lipid testing with inflammatory and metabolic markers, this panel enables a more individualized approach to cardiovascular risk refinement. Trends over time can help assess response to lifestyle modifications, nutritional strategies, or therapeutic interventions.

A Refined Approach to Coronary Heart Disease Risk Evaluation

The Atherosclerosis & Coronary Heart Disease Risk Refinement Panel provides a comprehensive and advanced assessment of cardiovascular health. By combining standard cholesterol testing with lipoprotein particle analysis, inflammatory markers, genetic risk indicators, and thyroid evaluation, this panel offers a deeper understanding of atherosclerotic risk.

Coronary heart disease develops through a complex interplay of lipid particles, inflammation, metabolic factors, and hormonal influences. Evaluating these components together supports more precise risk stratification and informed clinical decision-making.

For individuals seeking a thorough evaluation of arterial health and coronary risk, this panel offers a structured, evidence-based foundation for long-term cardiovascular monitoring and preventive care planning.

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