Cardiovascular Diseases

We offer a full range of diagnostic testing to assist cardiovascular specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of heart and vascular disease. Our cardiovascular testing includes lipid panels, cardiac biomarkers such as troponin and BNP, and other advanced markers that provide critical insights into cardiovascular risk and function.

With accurate results and timely reporting, we help cardiologists make informed clinical decisions, monitor treatment outcomes, and deliver comprehensive, proactive care for their patients.

Advanced Lipid Panel

Overview

The Advanced Lipid Panel offers a deeper, more precise evaluation of cholesterol and cardiovascular risk than a traditional lipid panel. At Express Lab, this test is used to help cardiologists and healthcare providers better understand complex lipid abnormalities that may not be fully captured by standard cholesterol testing alone.

Why This Test Is Ordered

A standard lipid panel measures total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and a calculated LDL cholesterol value. While helpful, these measurements do not always reflect the full spectrum of cardiovascular risk, particularly in patients with metabolic disease, insulin resistance, a family history of heart disease, or unexplained cardiovascular events.

The Advanced Lipid Panel expands on standard testing by evaluating lipoprotein particle number and size, as well as specific apolipoproteins known to be strongly associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). For many individuals, markers such as LDL particle number (LDL-P), Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] provide additional predictive value beyond LDL cholesterol alone.

What the Test Measures

This comprehensive profile combines a traditional lipid panel with advanced lipoprotein analysis to deliver a more complete picture of lipid-related cardiovascular risk.

Key components include:

• Standard lipid markers such as total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol
• Lipoprotein particle analysis using ion mobility technology to measure LDL particle number and LDL and HDL particle subclasses
• Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), a marker of the total number of atherogenic lipoprotein particles
• Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a genetically influenced risk factor associated with premature and progressive cardiovascular disease

By evaluating both cholesterol content and particle characteristics, this test helps identify patients who may be at increased risk despite “normal” standard lipid values.

Clinical Value

The Advanced Lipid Panel is frequently used in cardiology and preventive care settings to:

• Refine cardiovascular risk assessment
• Guide treatment decisions and lipid-lowering strategies
• Monitor response to therapy
• Evaluate patients with strong family histories of heart disease or early cardiovascular events

Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings, medical history, and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Test Details

Includes:

• Total Cholesterol
• HDL Cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• Non-HDL Cholesterol and Calculated Components
• Lipoprotein Fractionation by Ion Mobility
• Apolipoprotein B
• Lipoprotein(a)

Additional Testing Considerations:

• If triglyceride levels exceed 400 mg/dL, a Direct LDL Cholesterol test will be performed at an additional charge.
• If triglyceride levels are extremely elevated (>1,293 mg/dL), interference prevents accurate direct LDL measurement, and this test cannot be added.

Lipoprotein Fractionation, NMR

Overview

The Lipoprotein Fractionation, NMR test provides an advanced analysis of cholesterol-carrying lipoprotein particles using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. At ExpressLab, this test is used to help clinicians more precisely evaluate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and monitor response to lipid-lowering therapy beyond what standard cholesterol testing can reveal.

Why This Test Is Ordered

Traditional lipid panels measure the amount of cholesterol in the blood but do not assess the number or size of lipoprotein particles that transport cholesterol through the bloodstream. Research has shown that particle concentration and distribution can offer important insight into a patient's true cardiovascular risk.

Lipoprotein Fractionation, NMR is commonly ordered for patients who:

• Have intermediate or high cardiovascular risk based on traditional factors
• Have metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or diabetes
• Have a family history of premature cardiovascular disease
• Continue to experience cardiovascular events despite normal LDL cholesterol
• Are undergoing lipid-lowering therapy and require detailed treatment monitoring

What the Test Measures

Using NMR technology, this test quantifies lipoprotein particles by size and subclass, allowing clinicians to assess atherogenic risk more accurately.

Measured components include:

• LDL Particle Number (LDL-P)
• Small LDL Particle Number
• LDL Particle Size
• HDL Particle Number (HDL-P)
• Large HDL Particle Number
• HDL Particle Size
• Large VLDL Particle Number
• VLDL Particle Size

Elevated numbers of small, dense LDL particles and certain VLDL patterns are associated with increased atherosclerotic risk, while HDL particle characteristics may provide additional insight into protective lipid profiles.

Clinical Value

Lipoprotein Fractionation, NMR is frequently used in cardiology and preventive medicine to:

• Refine cardiovascular risk stratification
• Identify residual risk not captured by LDL cholesterol alone
• Personalize lipid-lowering treatment strategies
• Track changes in lipoprotein particle profiles over time

Results should be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical presentation, family history, and other cardiovascular risk markers.

Test Details

Includes:

• LDL Particle Number (LDL-P)
• Small LDL Particle Number
• LDL Particle Size
• HDL Particle Number (HDL-P)
• Large HDL Particle Number
• HDL Particle Size
• Large VLDL Particle Number
• VLDL Particle Size

Express Lab Advantage

Express Lab provides advanced cardiovascular testing that goes beyond standard lipid panels, delivering precise, clinically actionable insight to support personalized risk assessment and informed treatment decisions. For assistance with test selection, coding, or collection instructions, providers are encouraged to contact us directly at 208-529-8330 or fill out the online form.