Compare - Heart Health Test (EW)

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: 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: Lipid Panel with Ratios (fasting), Lipid Profile with Ratios (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

LDL/HDL Ratio

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.
*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 Quest Diagnostics. 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 Quest Diagnostics 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 Compare - Heart Health Test (EW) panel contains 3 tests with 9 biomarkers.

Why pay $99 for Everlywell's Heart Health finger prick test kit when you can experience the convenience and affordablity of a Heart Health lab test with Ulta Lab Tests - compare now and save!

Brief Description: The Heart Health Lab Test is a comprehensive diagnostic panel designed to assess various risk factors and markers associated with cardiovascular health. This panel includes a combination of markers related to blood glucose control, lipid profile, and inflammation, providing valuable insights into a person's risk of heart disease.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: Patient should be fasting 9-12 hours prior to collection.

When and Why the Heart Health Lab Test May Be Ordered

Timing of the Test: The Heart Health Lab Test may be ordered as part of routine health checkups or when specific risk factors are present. It is commonly performed in the following scenarios:

  1. Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Healthcare providers may recommend this test to assess a person's overall risk of heart disease, especially if they have risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, or a family history of heart disease.

  2. Diabetes Monitoring: Individuals with diabetes or prediabetes may undergo this test to monitor blood glucose control over time. Hemoglobin A1c is a key marker for assessing long-term blood sugar levels.

  3. Cholesterol Profile: The test evaluates various components of the lipid profile, including total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and ratios. It is essential for assessing lipid-related cardiovascular risk.

  4. Inflammation Assessment: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a marker of inflammation. Elevated levels may indicate increased cardiovascular risk, making it important for overall heart health assessment.

  5. Triglyceride Assessment: High triglyceride levels can contribute to atherosclerosis and heart disease. The test helps identify individuals at risk due to elevated triglycerides.

What the Heart Health Lab Test Checks For

The Heart Health Lab Test checks for a range of cardiovascular risk factors, including:

  • Hemoglobin A1c: This marker provides insights into long-term blood glucose control, making it important for diabetes management and risk assessment.

  • hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein): Elevated levels of hs-CRP indicate increased inflammation in the body, which can contribute to heart disease.

  • Triglycerides: High levels of triglycerides in the blood can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and increase the risk of heart disease.

  • Cholesterol Total: Total cholesterol includes both HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and is used to assess overall cholesterol levels.

  • HDL Cholesterol: HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.

  • LDL Cholesterol: LDL cholesterol is considered "bad" cholesterol because high levels can contribute to the buildup of plaque in arteries.

  • Non HDL Cholesterol: Non HDL cholesterol includes all cholesterol except HDL and is used as a marker for cardiovascular risk.

  • Chol/HDLC Ratio: This ratio provides additional insights into the balance between "good" and "bad" cholesterol in the body.

  • LDL/HDL Ratio: Another ratio that helps assess the relative levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol.

How Health Care Providers Use the Results of the Heart Health Lab Test

Healthcare providers use the results of the Heart Health Lab Test to:

  1. Assess Cardiovascular Risk: The test helps providers evaluate a person's overall cardiovascular risk, guiding recommendations for lifestyle changes, medications, or further testing.

  2. Monitor Diabetes: Hemoglobin A1c levels are monitored in individuals with diabetes or prediabetes to assess long-term blood glucose control and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

  3. Identify Inflammation: Elevated hs-CRP levels can indicate increased inflammation, which may require further evaluation and management to reduce cardiovascular risk.

  4. Evaluate Lipid Profile: The lipid profile, including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, non-HDL cholesterol, and ratios, helps assess lipid-related cardiovascular risk and informs treatment decisions.

  5. Personalize Treatment: The results guide healthcare providers in developing personalized treatment plans that may include lifestyle modifications, medications, or additional diagnostic tests.

In summary, the Heart Health Lab Test is a valuable tool for assessing cardiovascular risk factors, diabetes management, and inflammation levels. It aids in evaluating a person's risk of heart disease and helps healthcare providers make informed decisions to optimize heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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