Guard: Advanced Cardiovascular Panel (Quest)

What this panel includes

• Lipid panel with ratios: Traditional cholesterol markers and lipid fractionation (particle + size)

• Apolipoprotein B: Assesses atherogenic particle burden

• Lipoprotein(a): A genetically influenced cardiovascular risk marker that impacts risk irrespective of cholesterol levels

• Small dense LDL (sdLDL): Evaluates more atherogenic LDL particle subtypes

• High sensitivity C reactive protein (hs CRP): Measures systemic inflammation linked to cardiovascular risk

• Uric acid: Associated with metabolic and cardiovascular risk

• ApoE genotype: Provides insight into genetic lipid metabolism patterns, dementia risk, and possibly statin responsiveness

• Omega Check: Assesses omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acid balance, which are critical for inflammation, vascular health, and cognitive function

Biomarkers tested

Why patients choose this

• A deeper look at cardiovascular risk that goes beyond a standard cholesterol test, adding genetic risk, lipid particle characteristics, inflammation, and fatty acid balance.
• Helps uncover risk factors that may not be apparent on basic labs, informing more personalized prevention strategies.
• Evaluates traditional lipids alongside apolipoproteins, lipoprotein subtypes, genetic risk indicators, and omega status together.
• Especially useful for those with a family history of early heart attack or stroke (before age 60) or dementia, unexplained cardiovascular risk despite normal basic labs, or a proactive, longevity-focused approach.
• Schedule your lab test seamlessly and complete it at a lab near you.

Before your test

It is recommended to fast for at least 8 hours before.

Important information

Why it matters: evaluating advanced markers alongside traditional lipids provides a more nuanced understanding of cardiovascular health and long-term risk, including factors that may not appear on standard cholesterol tests.

Who it's for: especially useful for those with a family history of early heart attack or stroke (before age 60), dementia including Alzheimer's disease, unexplained cardiovascular risk despite normal basic labs, metabolic concerns, or anyone pursuing proactive, longevity-focused health.

It is recommended to fast for at least 8 hours before your draw.