Cardiovascular & Diabetes Prevention Test: Essentials

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Monitoring your heart and blood sugar health can help identify potential risks for conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. A blood test can measure important markers such as cholesterol, glucose, and inflammation levels to provide a clearer picture of your overall health. Order your test online through this link: Cardiovascular and Diabetes Prevention Essentials lab test without needing a prescription.

Test Description

The Cardiovascular and Diabetes Prevention Essentials panel measures specific markers from a blood sample that provide important insights into cardiovascular and metabolic health. These markers include cholesterol levels—HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol)—which show how your body manages fats and the potential for artery buildup. Blood sugar and insulin levels reflect how well your body regulates glucose, helping to identify risks for conditions like prediabetes or insulin resistance. Inflammation markers, such as hs-CRP, highlight underlying inflammation, which is a known contributor to heart disease.

Understanding these markers is critical because they reveal how key systems in your body are functioning and how they may be affected by factors such as diet, physical activity, stress, or family history. By analyzing these results, you can identify early warning signs of heart disease and diabetes, even before symptoms appear. This information allows you and your healthcare provider to create a personalized plan to address any concerns, optimize your health, and take steps to reduce future risks.

Markers

  • Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): This is an enzyme made by the liver to help break down proteins. When ALT levels are high, it might mean the liver is under stress or not working properly.
  • Albumin: This is a protein made by the liver that helps carry nutrients and keeps fluid from leaking out of your blood vessels. Low albumin levels could mean something is wrong with your liver, kidneys, or overall nutrition.
  • Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): This enzyme is involved in the health of your liver, bones, and bile ducts. If ALP levels are high, it might mean there’s a problem with your liver, gallbladder, or bones.
  • Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): This enzyme is found in your liver, muscles, and heart. High levels can be a sign of liver damage or muscle injury.
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): This measures how well your kidneys are clearing waste from your blood. If BUN is too high, it could mean your kidneys aren’t working as they should or you’re dehydrated.
  • Calcium: This mineral keeps your bones strong and helps muscles and nerves work. If calcium levels are too high or low, it may point to issues with your bones, kidneys, or hormones.
  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2): This measures how your lungs and kidneys are balancing the acid and base levels in your blood. Changes in CO2 levels can happen with breathing problems or metabolic imbalances.
  • Chloride: This is an electrolyte that helps control fluid balance and blood pressure. If your chloride levels are off, it might mean there’s an issue with your kidneys or dehydration.
  • Creatinine: This is a waste product from muscles that your kidneys filter out. High creatinine levels may mean your kidneys aren’t working well.
  • Fasting Glucose: This measures your blood sugar level after not eating for at least eight hours. High fasting glucose may suggest prediabetes or diabetes.
  • Fasting Insulin: This test looks at how much insulin your body makes after fasting. It can help show how well your body manages blood sugar.
  • HOMA-B: This calculation helps estimate how well your pancreas is producing insulin. It’s often used to understand insulin production in people with diabetes.
  • HOMA-IR: This calculation shows how resistant your body is to insulin. Higher scores may mean your body is struggling to use insulin effectively.
  • HOMA-S: This measures how sensitive your cells are to insulin. If sensitivity is low, your body may have trouble managing blood sugar.
  • Hemoglobin A1C: This test shows your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. It’s commonly used to diagnose diabetes or see how well it’s being managed.
  • High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL): This is the “good” cholesterol that helps clear extra cholesterol from your blood. Higher HDL levels are better for heart health.
  • Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL): This is the “bad” cholesterol that can build up in your arteries. Too much LDL can raise your risk of heart problems.
  • Potassium: This electrolyte helps keep your heart and muscles working well. If potassium levels are too high or low, it can cause heart or muscle issues.
  • Small Dense LDL: This is a type of LDL cholesterol that is smaller and more likely to stick to your arteries. High levels of this cholesterol can raise your risk for heart disease.
  • Sodium: This electrolyte helps keep your body’s fluids balanced and supports muscle and nerve function. Abnormal sodium levels can happen with dehydration or kidney issues.
  • Total Bilirubin: This is a yellow substance your body makes when it breaks down old red blood cells. High bilirubin can point to liver problems or issues with bile flow.
  • Total Cholesterol: This is the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both “good” and “bad” types. It gives an overall picture of your heart health.
  • Total Protein: This measures the amount of protein in your blood, which is important for overall health. Abnormal levels can suggest problems with your liver, kidneys, or immune system.
  • Triglycerides: These are fats stored in your blood and used for energy. High levels can raise your risk of heart problems, especially if combined with low HDL or high LDL.
  • hs-CRP: This is a marker that shows inflammation in your body. High levels can mean a higher risk of heart disease or other inflammatory conditions.

Who Should Consider This Test?

  • People with a family history of heart disease or diabetes: If you have close relatives who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or diabetes, your risk may be higher than average. The Cardiovascular and Diabetes prevention lab test can help you monitor key markers early and take preventive action.
  • People with high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels: Those managing conditions like hypertension or cholesterol imbalances may already be at an increased risk for heart disease. A test provides a deeper look at other markers that could affect their health.
  • People with prediabetes or insulin resistance: If you have higher-than-normal blood sugar or your body isn’t responding well to insulin, this test can help track your progress. It can also provide insights into your risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
  • People with obesity or metabolic syndrome: Carrying extra weight, especially around the abdomen, along with markers like high triglycerides or low HDL cholesterol, can significantly raise your risk for diabetes and heart disease. This test helps identify these risks and provides a clearer picture of your overall health.
  • People with lifestyle-related risks: A lack of exercise, a diet high in processed foods, or habits like smoking can increase your risk for cardiovascular and metabolic conditions. Testing these markers can help you better understand how your lifestyle may be affecting your health.
  • People experiencing symptoms of diabetes or heart issues: Symptoms such as frequent urination, constant fatigue, chest discomfort, or slow wound healing can be warning signs of underlying health issues. This test can help identify whether these symptoms are linked to heart disease or diabetes risk.
  • People with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is often associated with insulin resistance and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. This test can help monitor markers related to these risks.
  • People over the age of 40: As we age, the risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes naturally increases. Regular testing can help detect changes in key health markers early.
  • People recovering from gestational diabetes: Women who had diabetes during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Monitoring key markers can help reduce this risk.
  • People with chronic inflammation or autoimmune conditions: Conditions that cause ongoing inflammation can increase the risk of heart disease. This test, including markers like hs-CRP, can help assess inflammation levels.
  • Athletes with extreme training schedules: Intense physical activity can sometimes affect cholesterol levels, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation. This test can help active people ensure they’re maintaining overall health.
  • People on long-term medications that affect metabolism: Some medications, such as corticosteroids, can impact blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The Cardiovascular and Diabetes prevention lab test can help monitor for side effects or long-term risks.
  • People with sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea: Sleep issues, particularly sleep apnea, are linked to higher risks of heart disease and insulin resistance. This test can help evaluate these risks.
  • People with chronic stress: Ongoing stress can contribute to high blood pressure, increased blood sugar, and inflammation, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Monitoring these markers can provide a clearer picture of stress-related health impacts.
  • Postmenopausal women: Hormonal changes after menopause can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. This test can help track key health markers during this transition.
  • People with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): NAFLD is often associated with insulin resistance, high cholesterol, and increased risk for metabolic conditions. Testing these markers can provide insights into related health concerns.
  • People with a history of smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases inflammation, which raises the risk for heart disease and diabetes. The Cardiovascular and Diabetes prevention lab test can help assess the long-term effects on overall health.
  • People with a history of high alcohol consumption: Excessive drinking can impact liver function, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar regulation. This test can monitor the effects on cardiovascular and metabolic health.
  • People starting a preventive health plan: If you’re beginning to make changes like improving your diet, increasing exercise, or quitting smoking, this test can serve as a baseline to track progress over time.

Order This Lab Without A Prescription


The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Functional medical tests and nutrition-related labs should be used as tools to support health and wellness under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Results from these tests should not replace professional medical advice or be interpreted without consulting a licensed practitioner familiar with your health history and needs. Always consult your doctor or dietitian before making changes to your diet, supplements, or health management plan.


About the Author

NutriScape

This article is created by the NutriScape writing team. It is reviewed for medical and nutritional accuracy by Stephanie Figon, MS, RDN, LD. Please let us know your thoughts by messaging us at reviews@nutriscape.net.