Ulta Lab Tests

Eggs & Heart Health Lab Panel

Blood
Blood Draw, 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

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.

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: LFTs, Liver Function Tests, Liver Panel

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, Direct

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.

Bilirubin, Indirect

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Eggs & Heart Health Lab Panel panel contains 6 tests with 20 biomarkers .

Overview of the Eggs & Heart Health Lab Panel

The Eggs & Heart Health Lab Panel is a specialized blood test panel designed to evaluate critical markers that influence cardiovascular health, cholesterol metabolism, liver function, glucose control, and inflammation. With the ongoing debate about how dietary cholesterol from eggs affects heart health, this panel offers a science-based approach to understanding the impact of egg consumption on your cardiovascular risk profile.

Eggs are nutrient-rich and provide high-quality protein, but they also contain cholesterol. For most people, moderate egg consumption does not significantly raise cardiovascular risk. However, individuals with certain metabolic or lipid abnormalities may respond differently. The Eggs & Heart Health Lab Panel helps identify these individual variations by analyzing key biomarkers involved in cholesterol processing, blood sugar regulation, and inflammation—factors that play a major role in heart disease development.

When and Why the Eggs & Heart Health Lab Panel May Be Ordered

Healthcare professionals often recommend the Eggs & Heart Health Lab Panel for individuals concerned about their cholesterol levels, heart health, or the effect of dietary habits—especially egg consumption—on cardiovascular risk. It may be ordered in the following situations:

  • If you consume eggs regularly and want to understand their effect on cholesterol and lipid metabolism

  • When you have a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or stroke

  • If you have risk factors for atherosclerosis, including high LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes

  • To monitor individuals with pre-existing metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes

  • As part of a preventive health checkup to evaluate inflammation, liver health, and lipid balance

This panel provides insight into whether egg consumption and other dietary choices are appropriate for your cardiovascular health, allowing for more personalized nutrition strategies.

What the Eggs & Heart Health Lab Panel Checks For

The Eggs & Heart Health Lab Panel includes six essential tests that collectively provide a comprehensive picture of cardiovascular and metabolic health. Each marker plays an important role in understanding your risk for heart disease and how your body processes cholesterol and fats.

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)

ApoB is a structural protein found on LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and other atherogenic lipoproteins that carry cholesterol in the bloodstream. High levels of ApoB indicate a large number of cholesterol-rich particles that can penetrate arterial walls and promote plaque buildup, significantly increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Measuring ApoB provides a more accurate assessment of cardiovascular risk compared to LDL cholesterol alone.

Glucose

Glucose measures fasting blood sugar levels. Persistent elevations may indicate insulin resistance or prediabetes, both of which are major risk factors for heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Abnormal glucose control accelerates vascular damage, making this test critical for individuals concerned about heart health.

Hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1C)

HgbA1C reflects your average blood glucose levels over the past 2–3 months. High A1C values indicate chronic hyperglycemia, a hallmark of diabetes, which greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and arterial inflammation. This marker is essential for understanding long-term blood sugar control.

Hepatic Function Panel

The hepatic function panel evaluates key liver enzymes and proteins such as ALT, AST, albumin, and bilirubin. The liver is central to cholesterol production and fat metabolism, so impaired liver function can contribute to lipid imbalances and cardiovascular risk. This panel also helps detect fatty liver disease, which often accompanies metabolic disorders linked to heart disease.

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

hs-CRP is a highly sensitive marker of systemic inflammation. Elevated hs-CRP levels indicate low-grade inflammation in the body, which plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis and plaque instability. Even when cholesterol levels appear normal, a high hs-CRP can signal increased cardiovascular risk.

Lipid Panel

The lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol), HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol), and triglycerides. LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup, while HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. Triglycerides provide insight into dietary fat processing and metabolic health. Together, these values form the foundation for assessing cholesterol-related heart risk.

How Healthcare Professionals Use the Eggs & Heart Health Lab Panel Results

Healthcare providers interpret the results of the Eggs & Heart Health Lab Panel to guide dietary and lifestyle recommendations, assess cardiovascular risk, and develop targeted prevention strategies. For example:

  • Elevated ApoB or LDL cholesterol suggests the need for dietary adjustments, possibly reducing saturated fat and monitoring cholesterol intake.

  • High glucose or Hemoglobin A1c indicates impaired blood sugar control, requiring dietary intervention and possibly medical treatment to reduce cardiovascular risk.

  • Elevated hs-CRP signals inflammation, prompting further evaluation for underlying conditions and strategies to reduce systemic inflammation.

  • Abnormal liver enzymes may indicate fatty liver disease or other hepatic issues, which can worsen lipid profiles and heart risk if untreated.

  • Imbalanced lipid panel values help determine whether lifestyle changes alone are sufficient or if medications such as statins are necessary for reducing risk.

By integrating these findings, clinicians can create a personalized plan that addresses diet, exercise, and other modifiable risk factors, including guidance on egg consumption tailored to your unique health profile.

Conclusion

The Eggs & Heart Health Lab Panel offers a comprehensive assessment of key biomarkers that influence cardiovascular health, metabolic function, and cholesterol metabolism. By evaluating ApoB, lipid profiles, glucose control, liver function, and inflammation markers, this panel provides a detailed view of your heart health status. These insights empower individuals and healthcare professionals to make evidence-based dietary and lifestyle decisions, including informed choices about egg consumption and overall nutritional habits, to support long-term cardiovascular wellness.

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