Ulta Lab Tests

Atherosclerosis Risk Screening Panel

The Atherosclerotic Risk Screening Panel evaluates key cardiovascular risk markers including cholesterol, blood sugar control, metabolic function, and inflammation. By combining a Lipid Panel, Hemoglobin A1c, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, and hs-CRP, this comprehensive assessment helps identify factors linked to arterial plaque development and long-term heart health.

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.

Also known as: Chem 12, Chemistry Panel, Chemistry Screen, CMP, Complete Metabolic Panel, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel CMP, SMA 12, SMA 20

Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood.

Albumin/Globulin Ratio

The ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio) is calculated from measured albumin and calculated globulin (total protein - albumin). Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulins, giving a normal A/G ratio of slightly over 1. Because disease states affect the relative amounts of albumin and globulin, the A/G ratio may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels. A low A/G ratio may reflect overproduction of globulins, such as seen in multiple myeloma or autoimmune diseases, or underproduction of albumin, such as may occur with cirrhosis, or selective loss of albumin from the circulation, as may occur with kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome). A high A/G ratio suggests underproduction of immunoglobulins as may be seen in some genetic deficiencies and in some leukemias. More specific tests, such as liver enzyme tests and serum protein electrophoresis, must be performed to make an accurate diagnosis. With a low total protein that is due to plasma expansion (dilution of the blood), the A/G ratio will typically be normal because both albumin and globulin will be diluted to the same extent.

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a protein found in all body tissues. Tissues with higher amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone.

Alt

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in release of the substance into the blood.

AST

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in high amounts in liver, heart, and muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues.

Bilirubin, Total

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Bun/Creatinine Ratio

A ratio between a person’s BUN and blood creatinine to help determine what is causing these concentrations to be higher than normal. The ratio of BUN to creatinine is usually between 10:1 and 20:1. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration. It may also be seen with increased protein, from gastrointestinal bleeding, or increased protein in the diet. The ratio may be decreased with liver disease (due to decrease in the formation of urea) and malnutrition.

Calcium

You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs. The body stores more than 99 percent of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong. The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells. Your body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to secrete hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system.

Carbon Dioxide

CO2 is carbon dioxide. Measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood, called the serum. In the body, most of the CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate (HCO3-). Therefore, the CO2 blood test is really a measure of your blood bicarbonate level.

Chloride

Chloride is a type of electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance. This is a measure of the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.

Creatinine

The creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys work.

Egfr African American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Egfr Non-Afr. American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

GFR-AFRICAN AMERICAN

GFR-NON AFRICAN AMERICAN

Globulin

Globulins is the collective term for most blood proteins other than albumin. Identifying the types of globulins can help diagnose certain disorders. Globulins are roughly divided into three groups: alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Gamma globulines include various types of antibodies such as immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A.

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that the body needs to work normally. It helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium's harmful effects on blood pressure.

Protein, Total

The total protein is the total amount of two classes of proteins, albumin and globulin that are found in the fluid portion of your blood. Proteins are important parts of all cells and tissues. Your albumin helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and your globulins are an important part of your immune system.

Sodium

Sodium is a substance that the body needs to work properly it is vital to normal body processes, including nerve and muscle function

Urea Nitrogen (Bun)

BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.

Also known as: A1c, Glycated Hemoglobin, Glycohemoglobin, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, HA1c, HbA1c, Hemoglobin A1c, Hemoglobin A1c HgbA1C, Hgb A1c

HEMOGLOBIN A1C

The A1c test evaluates the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last 2 to 3 months. It does this by measuring the concentration of glycated (also often called glycosylated) hemoglobin A1c. Hemoglobin is an oxygen-transporting protein found inside red blood cells (RBCs). There are several types of normal hemoglobin, but the predominant form – about 95-98% – is hemoglobin A. As glucose circulates in the blood, some of it spontaneously binds to hemoglobin A. The hemoglobin molecules with attached glucose are called glycated hemoglobin. The higher the concentration of glucose in the blood, the more glycated hemoglobin is formed. Once the glucose binds to the hemoglobin, it remains there for the life of the red blood cell – normally about 120 days. The predominant form of glycated hemoglobin is referred to as HbA1c or A1c. A1c is produced on a daily basis and slowly cleared from the blood as older RBCs die and younger RBCs (with non-glycated hemoglobin) take their place. This test is used to monitor treatment in someone who has been diagnosed with diabetes. It helps to evaluate how well their glucose levels have been controlled by treatment over time. This test may be used to screen for and diagnose diabetes or risk of developing diabetes. In 2010, clinical practice guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) stated that A1c may be added to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as an option for diabetes screening and diagnosis. For monitoring purposes, an A1c of less than 7% indicates good glucose control and a lower risk of diabetic complications for the majority of diabetics. However, in 2012, the ADA and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) issued a position statement recommending that the management of glucose control in type 2 diabetes be more "patient-centered." Data from recent studies have shown that low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause complications and that people with risk of severe hypoglycemia, underlying health conditions, complications, and a limited life expectancy do not necessarily benefit from having a stringent goal of less than 7% for their A1c. The statement recommends that people work closely with their doctor to select a goal that reflects each person's individual health status and that balances risks and benefits.

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.
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The Atherosclerosis Risk Screening Panel panel contains 4 tests with 29 biomarkers .

The Atherosclerosis Risk Screening Panel is a cardiovascular risk assessment designed to evaluate key metabolic, inflammatory, and lipid-related biomarkers associated with the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a progressive condition characterized by plaque buildup within arterial walls, which can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease over time. Early identification of cardiometabolic risk factors allows for more informed prevention and long-term health strategies.

This panel combines four clinically significant components: a Lipid Panel, Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Together, these tests provide a broad view of cardiovascular health by examining cholesterol levels, blood glucose regulation, kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and systemic inflammation. Rather than focusing on a single marker, this integrated panel supports a multidimensional understanding of cardiometabolic risk.

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide, and many contributing risk factors develop silently. Elevated cholesterol, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and metabolic imbalance may be present long before symptoms occur. By combining lipid analysis, glycemic control markers, and inflammatory indicators, this screening panel offers a proactive approach to identifying potential early warning signs.

The Atherosclerosis Risk Screening Panel is often used as part of preventive health evaluations, cardiometabolic monitoring programs, and routine wellness assessments. Its structured design aligns with evidence-based strategies for cardiovascular risk evaluation and supports informed discussions between patients and healthcare providers. Whether used for baseline assessment or ongoing monitoring, this panel delivers actionable data grounded in established clinical biomarkers.

When and Why Someone Would Order This Panel

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

This panel is commonly ordered for individuals who want a comprehensive cardiovascular screening beyond a basic cholesterol test. Atherosclerosis develops gradually and is influenced by multiple factors including lipid abnormalities, glucose metabolism, and chronic inflammation. Individuals with a family history of heart disease, elevated blood pressure, or prior abnormal cholesterol levels may use this panel to better understand their overall risk profile.

Metabolic Health Monitoring

Insulin resistance and impaired glucose regulation are closely linked to cardiovascular disease. Hemoglobin A1c provides a three-month average of blood glucose levels and can identify patterns consistent with prediabetes or diabetes. When combined with lipid and metabolic markers, the panel helps evaluate how metabolic health influences arterial risk.

Inflammation and Plaque Development

Chronic low-grade inflammation plays a central role in plaque formation and progression. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is a well-studied marker of systemic inflammation associated with cardiovascular risk. Individuals interested in understanding inflammatory contributions to heart health may benefit from this assessment.

Preventive and Baseline Screening

Many people order this panel as part of a preventive health strategy. It is suitable for adults seeking a baseline cardiometabolic evaluation, those undergoing lifestyle changes (such as dietary modification, exercise programs, or weight management), or individuals monitoring response to therapeutic interventions under medical supervision.

Ongoing Cardiovascular Monitoring

Healthcare providers may recommend periodic testing for individuals already being monitored for dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, or other cardiovascular risk factors. The combined data allows for trend tracking over time, offering insight into whether lifestyle or clinical interventions are effectively improving risk markers.

What Does the Panel Measure?

Lipid Panel

The Lipid Panel evaluates:

  • Total Cholesterol

  • Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol

  • High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol

  • Triglycerides

  • Cholesterol Ratios

LDL cholesterol is often associated with plaque formation in arteries, while HDL cholesterol helps transport cholesterol away from arterial walls. Triglycerides reflect circulating fats and are linked to metabolic health. Together, these markers provide insight into lipid-driven cardiovascular risk.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

Hemoglobin A1c measures the percentage of hemoglobin bound to glucose, reflecting average blood sugar levels over approximately three months. Elevated HbA1c levels may indicate impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, or diabetes—conditions strongly associated with increased atherosclerotic risk.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

The CMP includes markers related to:

  • Kidney function (creatinine, BUN)

  • Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase)

  • Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2)

  • Glucose

  • Proteins (albumin, total protein)

Kidney and liver health influence cardiovascular outcomes. Electrolyte balance supports cardiac function, and fasting glucose levels contribute to metabolic risk assessment. The CMP offers a broad overview of organ systems connected to cardiovascular health.

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

hs-CRP detects low levels of C-reactive protein associated with chronic systemic inflammation. Even modest elevations have been linked to increased risk of coronary artery disease and vascular events. This marker adds an inflammatory dimension to traditional lipid-based risk assessment.

How Patients and Healthcare Providers Use the Results

Identifying Atherosclerotic Risk Factors

By integrating lipid levels, glycemic control, organ function, and inflammation markers, healthcare providers can evaluate multiple contributors to atherosclerosis. Elevated LDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, increased HbA1c, and elevated hs-CRP may collectively suggest heightened cardiovascular risk.

Supporting Early Detection of Cardiometabolic Conditions

The panel may help identify or monitor conditions such as:

  • Dyslipidemia

  • Prediabetes and diabetes

  • Metabolic syndrome

  • Chronic low-grade inflammation

  • Early kidney or liver dysfunction

Detecting abnormalities early allows for targeted interventions before structural arterial damage progresses.

Guiding Lifestyle and Clinical Decisions

Results can inform personalized strategies including:

  • Dietary adjustments (e.g., lipid-lowering or glucose-stabilizing approaches)

  • Exercise programming

  • Weight management planning

  • Monitoring response to lipid-lowering or glucose-modifying therapies under physician guidance

Trend analysis over time is especially valuable. Improvements in LDL cholesterol, HbA1c, or hs-CRP may indicate positive responses to lifestyle modifications or clinical care plans.

Monitoring Cardiovascular Health Over Time

Atherosclerosis develops over years. Periodic reassessment enables healthcare providers to track progression or improvement in risk markers, supporting proactive cardiovascular management and long-term prevention strategies.

The Atherosclerosis Risk Screening Panel offers a structured, evidence-based approach to evaluating cardiovascular and metabolic health. By combining lipid measurements, glycemic assessment, comprehensive metabolic markers, and inflammation testing, the panel provides a multidimensional perspective on factors that contribute to arterial plaque development.

Rather than focusing on a single number, this integrated assessment reflects the complex interplay between cholesterol metabolism, blood sugar regulation, organ function, and systemic inflammation. Early identification of imbalances can support informed discussions with healthcare providers and encourage proactive, personalized strategies for long-term cardiovascular wellness.

Regular monitoring of these biomarkers can play an important role in preventive care. Whether establishing a baseline or tracking changes over time, this panel supports a data-driven approach to heart and metabolic health. Understanding your risk profile is a meaningful step toward protecting vascular function and maintaining overall well-being.

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