Long Living Starts with Knowing Your Heart. Advanced Heart Tests Are the Key.

Reviewed By: Ernie Navarro M.D.

‍

Every 33 seconds someone dies of heart disease in the United States. Hard to believe, but it’s true despite decades of medical advances. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for American adults — yet, it is largely preventable with early intervention. 

‍

The first step is understanding your specific cardiovascular risk profile as early as you can. If you’re worried about your heart, have a family history of heart issues, or even live with high levels of stress, here are essential things to know and tests that can assess where you are.  

‍

Why Basic Lipid Panels Sometimes Aren’t Enough

‍

Annual physicals typically include a basic lipid panel that measures total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides. While these tests provide valuable information — and should be a regular part of your care — they don’t paint a complete picture of your heart health. 

‍

Research shows that nearly 75% of people hospitalized for a heart attack had “normal” cholesterol levels, according to national guidelines. Though the American Heart Association and its partners last updated the guidelines in 2018, it is important to understand that “normal” results do not necessarily mean that you are in optimal health. 

‍

But in good news, there are new heart health tests that go beyond traditional blood panels to support early detection and prevention.

‍

Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) 

‍

Standard lipid panels measure different types of cholesterol in your bloodstream, but they don’t show another important factor: the number of particles carrying “bad” LDL cholesterol, otherwise known as atherogenic particles. Too many atherogenic particles can lead to a buildup of plaque in the bloodstream. This buildup can then lead to a greater risk of heart attack and stroke. 

‍

An Apo B assessment is a simple blood test that provides a direct count of potentially harmful cholesterol-carrying particles, and research shows that it is a better predictor of a heart disease event compared to traditional lipid testing. 

‍

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) 

‍

Pronounced “L-P-little-A”, Lp(a) is a genetic variant of LDL that, when present, significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke because of its association with increased blood clots and inflammation in the body. Approximately 20-30% of the global population have high levels of Lp(a), though they often don’t have symptoms. 

‍

Since Lp(a) levels run in family genes, a one-time measurement can identify this hidden risk factor. For those with elevated levels, targeted interventions and early preventive care can go a long way in helping to limit risk.

‍

Functional Imaging and Advanced Fitness

‍

In addition to blood lab tests, there are a number of clinically-validated imaging and fitness tests that can help get a clearer picture of your heart health, but are not typically performed during annual check-ups. 

‍

• VO2 Cardio Exercise Testing: This test shows how well your heart and lungs push oxygen through the body to your muscles when working hard. The measurement is generally considered one of the strongest indicators of fitness and endurance, and is associated with longevity. 

‍

• DEXA Body Composition X-ray: This special kind of X-ray measures bone density, muscle and fat ratios in the body. High ratios of fat around the midsection, otherwise known as visceral fat, can be strong predictors of disease.  

‍

• CIMT (Carotid Intima-Media Thickness) Imaging: This ultrasound measures how thick your artery walls are to detect early plaque buildup before symptoms develop. 

‍

• Homocysteine Blood Analysis: A lab test that measures the levels of this amino acid in your blood. High levels are associated with increased risk of blood clots and artery damage. 

‍

Taking Control of Your Heart Health Journey 

‍

Whether you’re experiencing early warning signs, like elevated cholesterol or blood pressure, or simply want to optimize your heart health for longevity, Humanaut’s memberships provide comprehensive testing and personalized preventive care — all in one clinic. 

‍

With Humanaut, you’ll gain access to a suite of advanced tests designed to explore what your annual wellness exam may miss. Based on your unique results, Humanaut's medical providers will work with you to develop an integrative care plan that may include:

‍

• Peptide therapy
• Bioidentical hormone therapy
• General medical prescriptions
• Personalized supplement regimens
• Wellness treatments
• Targeted lifestyle modifications

‍

See how Humanaut can support your heart health goals. We’ll work with you to understand what’s happening in your body, and make a personalized plan to promote long, healthy living. 

‍

Start your journey with Humanaut today. 

‍