This test measures the following biomarker:

• Total cholesterol

  Cholesterol is a lipid that is found in the blood. It comes from food that you eat and is also manufactured in the liver. Total cholesterol is comprised of various different types of cholesterol including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for building cells and producing many hormones. When levels are elevated, excess cholesterol is deposited into the blood vessels and is associated with heart disease and stroke.

• HDL

  High density lipoprotein (HDL) is often referred to as the "good" cholesterol. It removes LDL ("bad cholesterol") from your arteries and takes it to the liver where it is metabolized or broken down into bile acids and excreted from the body in the bile. Elevated HDL is generally considered protective against heart disease and stroke, however extremely high levels can also be problematic. Low levels increase risk of heart attack and stroke due to buildup of excess LDL in the blood vessels.

• LDL

  Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is often referred to as the "bad" cholesterol. It is produced in the liver and is deposited into the tissues where it is used to build cell membranes and hormones. Elevated LDL comes from your genetics and your diet. Eating saturated and trans fats will increase LDL levels. When oxidized, LDL is deposited into the arteries where it creates plaque and contributes to heart disease and stroke. Low LDL is associated with inflammation and increased risk of cancer and mood disorders.

• Triglycerides

  Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the bloodstream. Triglycerides are produced by the body from the food we eat and are also stored in fat cells for later use as energy. While triglycerides are essential for normal body function, high levels can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Extremely elevated levels are associated with pancreatitis, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

• LDL/HDL ratio

  The LDL/HDL ratio measures the balance between low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or the "good" cholesterol. This ratio provides a more comprehensive assessment of your cardiovascular risk than individual cholesterol levels alone. A higher ratio indicates a greater risk of heart disease and stroke. Elevated LDL levels contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries while higher HDL levels help remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.

• Cholesterol/HDL ratio

  The CHOL/HDL ratio is a measurement derived from dividing the total cholesterol (CHOL) level by the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level. This ratio helps assess cardiovascular risk, as a higher ratio indicates a greater risk of heart disease, while a lower ratio suggests a lower risk.

• VLDL

  VLDL is a type of lipoprotein made by the liver. VLDL is composed of a protein, cholesterol and triglyceride molecule combined together. VLDL is transported to the body and blood vessels where triglycerides are removed from the VLDL leaving an LDL cholesterol molecule. At high levels, VLDL can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries leading to heart disease, and stroke.

• AST

  AST is an enzyme that is mainly found in the liver, but is also found in the heart, muscles, and kidneys. When any of these organs is damaged, AST levels rise in the blood. This test enables evaluation of liver function. Elevated AST levels can indicate problems with the liver such as liver disease, infectious hepatitis or toxicity related to medications, alcohol use, or other environmental toxins.

• ALT

  ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is an enzyme primarily found in the liver and in the kidneys, heart, and muscles. It has a role in amino acid metabolism. When elevated, ALT indicates damage to the liver such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or reaction to medications. Elevated ALT can also indicate damage to other tissues, though it is less common. When ALT levels are higher than AST levels, it can be used to diagnose conditions such as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

• Total bilirubin

  Bilirubin is produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Elevated levels can indicate liver disease, blockage of the bile duct, hemolytic anemia (rapid breakdown of red blood cells), or newborn jaundice. There are two types of bilirubin including direct (conjugated) bilirubin, which has been processed by the liver, and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin, which has not yet reached the liver for processing. Total bilirubin is a measure of both direct and indirect bilirubin combined.