Description

The CardiacNexus Profile offers a comprehensive look at cardiovascular health by combining two key tests: Lipoprotein Particle Profile (LPP) and the MTHFR gene test. These tests provide advanced insights into your lipid metabolism and genetic predisposition, both critical factors in assessing cardiovascular risk.

What the CardiacNexus Profile Measures:

Lipoprotein Particle Profile (LPP) Test:

  • The LPP test analyzes the size and type of lipoproteins in your blood, offering a superior diagnostic tool for understanding cholesterol and lipid metabolism.
  • It helps answer two essential questions for heart health:

Who is at higher cardiovascular risk?

What can be done about it?

  • Key biomarkers measured:
  • Total HDL Particles: Represents your "good" cholesterol, which helps remove harmful cholesterol from the bloodstream.
  • Apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A1): A protein that plays a central role in cholesterol transport and cardiovascular health.
  • Homocysteine: Elevated levels can be linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
  • Total LDL Particles: Represents your "bad" cholesterol that can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries.
  • Triglycerides: High triglyceride levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
  • Apolipoprotein B (Apo B): A protein associated with the atherogenic (plaque-forming) particles of LDL.
  • Lipoprotein (a): Elevated levels can increase cardiovascular disease risk.
  • hs-CRP (High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein): A marker of inflammation linked to heart disease.
  • Non-HDL and Non-HDL-P: Measures all the cholesterol particles that are not HDL, including harmful ones like LDL and VLDL.

MTHFR Gene Test:

  • The MTHFR gene plays a crucial role in the metabolism of B vitamins, particularly folate, and affects methylation processes that impact various body systems, including cardiovascular, neurological, and detoxification functions.
  • The MTHFR test detects the presence of common genetic mutations (single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs) that affect this gene. The most commonly tested mutations are:
  • C677T
  • A1298C
  • Carrying mutations in the MTHFR gene may predispose individuals to:
  • B vitamin deficiencies (especially folate and B12)
  • Impaired methylation: Which can affect cardiovascular health and increase the risk for neurological, reproductive, and detoxification system issues.
  • Knowing if you carry one or both variants can guide nutritional and lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors.

Key Biomarkers Included in the CardiacNexus Profile:

  • Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1)
  • Apolipoprotein B (Apo B)
  • Buoyant HDL 2b: Subtype of HDL cholesterol that's beneficial in reducing heart disease risk.
  • Dense LDL III and IV: These types of LDL are more atherogenic (plaque-forming).
  • Fasting Insulin: High insulin levels are linked to insulin resistance, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease.
  • HDL: “Good cholesterol,” important in removing bad cholesterol from arteries.
  • HDL-P (HDL Particles): The number of HDL particles, an indicator of heart disease risk.
  • LDL: “Bad cholesterol,” when elevated, can lead to plaque buildup in arteries.
  • LDL-P (LDL Particles): The number of LDL particles, another key marker for heart disease risk.
  • Lp(a) (Lipoprotein (a)): A variant of LDL cholesterol that’s linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  • MTHFR: Gene test for mutations that affect B-vitamin metabolism.
  • Remnant Lipoprotein: Substances that remain after triglycerides are removed from the bloodstream, associated with a higher risk of heart disease.
  • Total Cholesterol: The total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including LDL, HDL, and other types.
  • Triglycerides: Blood fats that contribute to cardiovascular disease when levels are high.
  • VLDL-P: A particle type associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis.
  • hs-CRP (High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein): A marker of inflammation that can predict heart disease risk.
  • Non-HDL Cholesterol: Total cholesterol minus HDL, representing the cholesterol that contributes to plaque buildup.
  • Non-HDL-P: The number of non-HDL cholesterol particles, also indicative of atherosclerosis risk.

Why This Test Matters:

  • Early Detection: Identifying lipid imbalances, genetic mutations, and inflammatory markers can lead to earlier intervention and a targeted approach to heart health management.
  • Personalized Risk Assessment: By understanding both genetic and biochemical markers, this test provides a more comprehensive picture of your cardiovascular risk, allowing for a tailored treatment or lifestyle approach.
  • Prevention and Management: With this information, you can take proactive steps in reducing cardiovascular risk through diet, lifestyle changes, and possibly medication.

Fasting Recommended

  • Fasting is recommended before taking this test to ensure accurate measurement of lipoproteins, insulin, and other markers that are influenced by recent food intake.

This CardiacNexus Profile is an essential tool for anyone looking to gain deeper insights into their genetic and biochemical risk factors for cardiovascular disease. By combining advanced lipoprotein testing with genetic risk factors, it provides a comprehensive view of your heart health and helps guide preventative or corrective actions.