Ulta Lab Tests

All Heart and Cardiovascular Tests

Heart and cardiovascular tests give you a clear picture of the factors that drive long-term risk and day-to-day symptoms. These labs evaluate cholesterol patterns and particle number, genetic lipoproteins, inflammation, blood-sugar control, kidney health, and cardiac-strain or injury markers.

Use this page to build a right-sized panel. Start with a standard lipid panel and A1c or fasting glucose, then refine risk with ApoB (particle number), lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] (genetic risk), and hs-CRP (low-grade inflammation). Add creatinine/eGFR and urine albumin-creatinine for vascular-kidney context. For symptoms of fluid overload, NT-proBNP/BNP helps; for urgent chest-pain evaluations, troponin is used.
These labs support screening, diagnostic work-ups, and monitoring, but they do not replace blood-pressure checks, ECGs, or imaging such as coronary artery calcium scans, echocardiography, or stress testing when indicated.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Prevention & baseline: family history of early heart attack or stroke; high LDL or triglycerides; diabetes/prediabetes; high blood pressure; chronic kidney disease; nicotine exposure.

  • Possible heart symptoms: chest pressure/tightness; breathlessness with activity or lying flat; ankle swelling; palpitations; reduced exercise tolerance.

  • Therapy & lifestyle checkpoints: limited response or intolerance to lipid-lowering therapy; starting a fitness or nutrition plan; weight-management programs.

  • Stroke & clotting context: TIA symptoms, atrial fibrillation, prior clotting or bleeding history (clinician-guided testing).

  • Urgent care now: new or crushing chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, one-sided weakness, or trouble speaking.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Refine risk beyond basic cholesterol using ApoB, Lp(a), and hs-CRP.

  • Clarify contributors to symptoms and safety (electrolytes, kidney function, anemia, thyroid).

  • Track trends after lifestyle changes or medication adjustments to confirm progress.

What testing cannot do

  • Diagnose blocked arteries or valve disease—imaging and ECGs are still required.

  • Replace blood-pressure control, rhythm evaluation, or emergency care for acute symptoms.

  • Predict events with certainty from a single number; context and trends matter most.

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • Lipid Panel (TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, TG) & non-HDL-C: core cholesterol snapshot; non-HDL-C reflects all atherogenic cholesterol.

  • Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): counts all atherogenic particles (VLDL remnants, IDL, LDL, Lp(a)); helpful when triglycerides are high or LDL-C seems discordant with risk.

  • Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]: genetically determined and largely lifelong; adds risk for coronary disease and calcific aortic valve disease.

  • LDL Particle Number/Size (LDL-P, subfractions): particle burden and distribution; particle number usually carries the most weight.

  • High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP): low-grade inflammation marker; interpret trends—illness and hard workouts can raise it temporarily.

  • A1c & Fasting Glucose (± Insulin): glycemic control and insulin-resistance context.

  • Kidney Markers: Creatinine/eGFR and urine albumin-creatinine (ACR); kidney health signals vascular risk.

  • NT-proBNP/BNP: peptides released with heart-wall stretch; aid in evaluating heart-failure physiology and tracking congestion.

  • High-sensitivity Troponin: detects acute heart-muscle injury; used for urgent, symptom-driven evaluations, not routine screening.

  • Contextual adds (as directed): ApoA-I, remnant cholesterol (RLP-C), Lp-PLA2, homocysteine, TSH, CBC, magnesium.

Quick Build Guide

Goal Start with Add if needed
General prevention Lipid Panel • A1c/Glucose non-HDL-C • hs-CRP
Strong family history Lipid Panel • A1c ApoB • Lp(a)
High TG / metabolic syndrome / diabetes Lipid Panel • A1c ApoB • LDL-P/subfractions • RLP-C • hs-CRP
CKD or hypertension Lipid Panel • A1c Urine ACR • eGFR • hs-CRP
Heart-failure signs CMP/electrolytes NT-proBNP/BNP • CBC • iron studies • TSH
Possible acute chest pain (Labs don’t rule out MI) Troponin per clinician + urgent evaluation
Stroke/TIA context Lipids • A1c • CBC/CMP ApoB • Lp(a) • PT/INR/aPTT (clinician-directed)

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Choose your panel: begin with lipids + A1c/Glucose; add ApoB, Lp(a), and hs-CRP for a sharper risk picture.

  2. Prepare for accuracy: follow any fasting instructions; schedule on a recovery day; keep supplements consistent unless your order lists holds (biotin can affect some assays).

  3. Get your draw: visit a nearby patient service center; most results post within a few days.

  4. Review with your clinician: combine labs with blood pressure, history, exam, ECGs, and imaging (e.g., coronary calcium or echocardiogram) when appropriate.

  5. Track trends: repeat on a personalized cadence, especially after lifestyle or medication changes.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • LDL-C & non-HDL-C: lower values generally reduce risk; non-HDL-C captures all atherogenic cholesterol.

  • ApoB / LDL-P: higher numbers = more particles that can enter artery walls; particularly useful when LDL-C looks “fine” but risk is high.

  • Lp(a): treat elevated levels as added lifetime risk; values are largely genetic and stable.

  • hs-CRP: emphasize trends; retest after illness or tough training to avoid false spikes.

  • Kidney & glycemic markers: better glucose control and kidney health lower vascular risk.

  • NT-proBNP/BNP & Troponin: interpret with symptoms and clinician guidance; do not self-diagnose from a single result.
    Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Starter set: Lipid Panel + non-HDL-C + A1c/Glucose

  • Risk refinement: ApoB + Lp(a) + hs-CRP (± LDL-P/subfractions)

  • Vascular-kidney context: Creatinine/eGFR + Urine ACR

  • Symptom-guided adds: NT-proBNP/BNP (fluid/strain) • Troponin (acute chest-pain pathway)

  • Additional context (clinician-directed): ApoA-I, RLP-C, Lp-PLA2, homocysteine, TSH, CBC

FAQs

Do I need to fast?
Follow your order. Many lipid tests can be non-fasting, but fasting is common and helpful when triglycerides run high.

If my LDL-C is normal, do I still need ApoB?
Possibly. ApoB can reveal high particle number even when LDL-C appears acceptable, especially with high triglycerides or strong family risk.

What is Lp(a)?
A genetic lipoprotein that increases lifetime risk for heart attack and calcific aortic valve disease; one measurement is often informative.

Does hs-CRP replace cholesterol testing?
No. It complements lipids by reflecting inflammation. Use it alongside cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure.

Can exercise affect results?
Yes. Hard workouts and illness can temporarily raise hs-CRP and shift triglycerides. Aim for a recovery-day draw.

How often should I repeat testing?
Commonly every 3–12 months, depending on goals and therapy. Your clinician will tailor timing.

Related Categories & Key Tests

  • Heart & Cardiovascular Tests Hub

  • Cholesterol Tests • Cardio IQ Tests • Coronary Artery Disease Tests • Heart Attack Risk Tests • Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Tests • High Blood Pressure Tests • Stroke Tests • Vasculitis Tests • Diabetes & Insulin Resistance • Kidney Health

  • Key Tests: Lipid Panel • non-HDL-C • ApoB • Lp(a) • LDL Particle Number/Size • hs-CRP • A1c/Glucose (± Insulin) • Creatinine/eGFR • Urine Albumin-Creatinine • NT-proBNP/BNP • Troponin • ApoA-I • RLP-C • Lp-PLA2 • TSH • CBC

References

  • American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association — Cholesterol and primary prevention guidelines.
  • National Lipid Association — Scientific statements on ApoB, Lp(a), and advanced lipoproteins.
  • European Atherosclerosis Society — Consensus on Lp(a).
  • AHA/CDC — Inflammation markers and cardiovascular risk resources.
  • KDIGO — Kidney disease and albumin-creatinine testing guidance.
  • Heart Failure Society of America — Biomarkers in heart failure and monitoring.

Available Tests & Panels

Your All Heart and Cardiovascular Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with a core risk panel (lipids and A1c), add ApoB, Lp(a), and hs-CRP to refine risk, include kidney markers for vascular context, and use NT-proBNP/BNP or troponin when symptoms guide that choice. Follow any fasting/supplement instructions and review results with your clinician to personalize prevention and follow-up.

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The Advanced Cholesterol Lab Panel is an extensive set of tests designed to provide a detailed profile of a person's cholesterol and lipoprotein levels. Unlike basic cholesterol tests, this advanced panel includes measurements of specific types of cholesterol particles, ratios, and additional markers that offer a deeper insight into cardiovascular health. The tests in this panel include Apolipoprotein B, Cholesterol/HDLC Ratio, Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, LDL/HDL Ratio, Non-HDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Lipoprotein (a), HDL Large, LDL Medium, LDL Particle Number, LDL Pattern, LDL Peak Size, and LDL Small.
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 The Advanced Cholesterol Panel + Inflammatory Marker Panel is a sophisticated diagnostic tool designed to evaluate cardiovascular risk from multiple dimensions. This comprehensive assessment combines traditional lipid profiling with advanced biomarkers for atherosclerosis and inflammation, offering a deep dive into an individual’s lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health. The integration of these tests provides a nuanced view of both the quantity and quality of cholesterol particles and the presence of inflammation, which is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
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The Cardio IQ™ Advanced Lipid Panel Test provides a detailed assessment of cardiovascular risk by measuring total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, ApoB, Lipoprotein (a), and non-HDL cholesterol. It also analyzes particle number, size, and patterns of LDL and HDL, offering deeper insights into lipid metabolism and heart disease risk beyond standard cholesterol testing.

Also Known As: Advanced Lipid Profile Test, Advanced Cholesterol Panel Test, Advanced Lipids Blood Test 
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The Cardio IQ™ ASCVD Risk Panel with Score offers a comprehensive evaluation of heart health by measuring cholesterol, lipoprotein particle numbers, apolipoproteins, and inflammatory markers. Using this data, it calculates a 10-year ASCVD risk score to identify potential cardiovascular threats. This detailed profile helps uncover underlying factors driving atherosclerosis, supporting proactive prevention and personalized care strategies.

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Discover Heart Problems Early With Heart and Cardiovascular Tests

One person dies every 36 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease.

That may seem like a shocking statistic, but what's more surprising is that cardiovascular disease is also the leading cause of death in the US.

Thankfully, by utilizing blood testing for cardiovascular diseases, you can learn your risk factors and make changes in your life to help prevent future heart problems.

So, what is cardiovascular disease, and which heart and cardiovascular tests are used to help diagnose it? Keep reading to learn more about this deadly disease and how to prevent it.

What is Heart and Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease is a type of disease that affects the heart muscle or blood vessels. Heart and Cardiovascular Disease refers to several different conditions, such as heart failure, stroke, heart attack, and more. The most common type of cardiovascular disease in the US is Coronary Artery Disease.

Risk Factors for Heart and Cardiovascular Disease

Several risk factors may contribute to cardiovascular disease. The most common risk factors include:

  • Family history of cardiovascular disease
  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Overweight
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Diabetes     

Causes of Heart and Cardiovascular Disease

Heart disease is common and can affect anyone, no matter your age or gender. So, it's essential to understand the risk factors and start taking steps toward prevention.

There are various causes of heart disease. Many things can impact your heart health, including medical conditions and lifestyle choices.

Continuous research shows the importance of eating a heart-healthy diet and frequently exercising to help keep your cardiovascular system healthy.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Heart and Cardiovascular Disease?

There are different symptoms of different types of cardiovascular diseases. Some of the most common symptoms to look out for include:

  • Chest pain, tightness, or discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Numbness, pain, cold, or weakness in your arms or legs
  • Dizzy or lightheaded
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Rapid or slow heart rate

How is Heart and Cardiovascular Disease Diagnosed?

While it's difficult to know for sure if someone has cardiovascular disease based on symptoms alone, it is possible to confirm the presence of some cardiovascular diseases with cardiovascular blood tests. Other heart and cardiovascular tests used to diagnose heart disease may include cardiovascular CT scans, a coronary angiogram, ECG machine tests, and more.

Lab Tests Used to Screen, Diagnose, and Monitor Heart and Cardiovascular Disease

There are several substances in your blood that can indicate whether or not you have heart trouble. For example, if you have high levels of bad cholesterol in your blood, it may suggest that you are at increased risk of having a heart attack. Other substances in your blood can help determine if you are at risk of developing plaques in your coronary arteries or if you have heart failure.

Heart health blood tests can also help your doctor diagnose and treat your heart problems. However, keep in mind that one blood test alone doesn't define your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Here's a list of some of the most common cardiovascular blood tests used to diagnose and manage heart disease.

Cardio IQ Tests

There are many Cardio IQ Tests available at Ulta Lab Tests. Cardio IQ testing helps provide an in-depth assessment of cardiovascular risks by measuring different substances in the blood. This can help your medical provider to recommend an individualized treatment option for you based on your results.

Some of the most popular Cardio IQ tests available at Ulta Lab Tests include:

  • Cardio IQ Diabetes Risk Panel with Score
  • Cardio IQ ASCVD Risk Panel with Score
  • Cardio IQ™ ApoE Genotype
  • Cardio IQ™ Apolipoprotein A-1 
  • Cardio IQ™ Apolipoprotein Evaluation
  • Cardio IQ™ Direct LDL
  • Cardio IQ™ Hemoglobin A1c
  • and more

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common illnesses. These include heart disease, stroke, and other heart and blood vessel disorders. Diagnostic blood testing will depend on the type and severity of the CVD.

Lab tests used to diagnose CVD may include:

  • Complete Blood Count
  • Lipoprotein (a)
  • Lp-PLA2
  • Apolipoprotein A1
  • MTHFR Mutation
  • APOE Genotyping
  • Apolipoprotein B
  • Homocysteine
  • LDL Cholesterol
  • Hs-CRP
  • Fibrinogen
  • Triglycerides

Cholesterol

It's vital to track your cholesterol and risk for linked heart disease, stroke, or heart attack. A lipid panel is a simple blood test that is used to check the levels of cholesterol in the blood.

The test produces four measures: 

  • Total or overall cholesterol
  • Triglycerides
  • LDL cholesterol
  • HDL cholesterol

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Congestive heart failure happens when the heart muscle becomes weakened and can't pump blood to the rest of the body as well as it should. This often causes blood to back up, and fluid builds up in the lungs, causing the patient to feel short of breath.

Some people have heart conditions that make it difficult for the heart to work properly. These include high blood pressure and narrowed arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease).

Blood Tests used to detect these conditions may include:

  • Basic Metabolic Panel
  • Urinalysis
  • NT-proBNP and BNP
  • Complete blood count
  • Electrolytes

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Coronary artery disease is a serious condition that can lead to a heart attack or stroke if left untreated. Many people don't even realize they have this disease because it often develops over many years, as your blood vessels build up with cholesterol-containing deposits (plaques) and become inflamed. 

The lipoprotein test is one test that is performed to screen for coronary artery disease. Doctors use this test to determine the level of LDL cholesterol that has attached to the coronary artery. If you have a high level of LDL, you may need further heart tests.

With other specific blood tests, you may be able to find out if you have or are at risk for Coronary Artery Disease. Some of these tests may include:

  • LDL Cholesterol
  • HDL Cholesterol
  • Lactate Dehydrogenase
  • Creatine Kinase
  • Triglycerides
  • Hs-CRP
  • NT-proBNP and BNP
  • Myoglobin
  • Homocysteine

Heart Attack Risk

The arteries that feed the heart (coronary arteries) can narrow or become so clogged with fat, cholesterol, and other substances that blood flow to your heart is reduced or cut off. This is what causes a heart attack, and it is a serious medical emergency.

It's critical to call 911 or emergency medical help if you think you, or someone you love, might be having a heart attack.

Blood tests that you may need to determine your heart attack risk include the following:

  • Creatine Kinase
  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
  • NT-proBNP and BNP
  • hs-CRP
  • Myoglobin
  • Complete Blood Count

Heart Disease

Heart disease encompasses many conditions, including heart failure, coronary artery disease, and more. Blood tests will depend on your symptoms and the type of heart disease you have and may include the following.

  • HDL cholesterol
  • LDL Cholesterol
  • Triglycerides
  • Creatine Kinase
  • Myoglobin
  • NT-proBNP and BNP
  • Homocysteine
  • Lactate Dehydrogenase
  • Hs-CRP

Heart Health

Your blood contains substances that are released when your heart muscle is damaged, such as after a heart attack. These substances can be measured in your blood and may give a readout of the amount of damage to your heart muscle.

There are several blood tests used to measure heart health. In addition, a general heart health panel can be ordered to test for multiple heart diseases.

Such lab tests may include:

  • Lipid panels (levels of HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides, and cholesterol)
  • Hs-CRP
  • Lp(a)
  • Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)

These tests may be done in combination with other lab tests for more information and details.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Blood pressure is the measure of the force with which your blood pushes against the walls of your blood vessels. And when your blood pressure is too high, it can be dangerous and cause other issues.

Based on an individual's medical history, physical exam, and routine laboratory test results, some blood tests may be used to help detect and monitor conditions causing hypertension, such as:

  • Microalbumin with creatinine
  • Glucose
  • Calcium
  • Hemoglobin A1c
  • Lipid Panel
  • TSH
  • Aldosterone
  • Urinalysis
  • Cortisol
  • Potassium
  • Urine protein

Stroke

A stroke happens when blood supply to the brain is reduced or disrupted, stopping brain tissue from receiving nutrients and oxygen. Brain cells often start to die within minutes. Strokes are considered a medical emergency.

Tests for a stroke may measure the following substances:

  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Blood glucose
  • Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
  • Electrolytes
  • Prothrombin time (PT) and INR
  • Lipid panel, which includes cholesterol, HDL, and LDL

Vasculitis

Vasculitis is known as a rare inflammatory disease of the blood vessels. This inflammation can cause the walls of the blood vessels to thicken, which narrows the delicate passageways through which blood flows. The restricted blood flow can cause severe damage to organs and tissues.

Diagnosing vasculitis can be tricky. However, blood tests that scan for specific antibodies, such as the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) test, can help detect and diagnose vasculitis.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heart and Cardiovascular Disease and Lab Testing

Need more information? Find answers to some of the most common questions about Heart and Cardiovascular Disease below.

Is Hypertension a Cardiovascular Disease?

Yes. There are many health risks associated with high blood pressure (hypertension), including heart disease.

How Do You Prevent Cardiovascular Disease?

Heart disease continues to be a considerable health problem in the US. Screening for cardiovascular disease with blood testing is vital to early detection. Plus, with a few simple lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, managing stress, and eating healthy, you can significantly reduce your chances of getting heart disease.

Are Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Disease the Same Thing?

Yes and no. Heart disease is a type of Cardiovascular disease, but not all Cardiovascular diseases are heart disease.

Heart disease refers to a specific type of cardiovascular disease that includes numerous issues, many of which are linked to a process called atherosclerosis.

Arteries are like highways that carry blood throughout the body. They have thick walls that keep blood flowing and prevent it from clotting. Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries. The plaques can narrow a person's arteries, making it harder for blood to flow. In addition, plaques may break away and completely block an artery, causing severe problems, like a heart attack or stroke.

How Do You Test for Heart Function?

A cardiovascular blood test can help determine whether you're at risk for heart failure. Testing blood for specific traits is one of the best ways to check your heart health and prevent heart disease. 

Benefits of Heart and Cardiovascular Disease Lab Testing with Ulta Lab Tests

Ulta Lab Tests offers cardiovascular diagnostic tests that are highly accurate and reliable so that you can make informed decisions about your health. Here are a few great things to love about Ulta Lab Tests:

  • You'll get secure and confidential results
  • You don't need health insurance
  • You don't need a physician's referral
  • You'll get affordable pricing
  • We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee

Order your Heart and Cardiovascular Disease lab tests today, and your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.

Take control of your heart health with Ulta Lab Tests today!