ApoB measures the actual number of atherogenic particles in circulation, which is often more predictive of vascular risk than LDL alone.
Lp(a) is a genetically determined risk factor most clinicians never test. You cannot fully lifestyle your way out of elevated Lp(a), but it changes how aggressively other risks should be managed.
AIP (Atherogenic Index of Plasma) predicts atherosclerosis better than standard cholesterol snapshots. Foundation optimal is under 0.11; risk rises significantly above 0.24.
Homocysteine reflects methylation stress and metabolic disruption. Every 5 umol/L elevation above optimal is linked to ~40% higher heart disease and Alzheimer's risk.
• HDL - Protective lipid transport, but quality and function matter as much as quantity.
• LDL - A transport structure, not inherently pathological; interpreted with ApoB and inflammatory context.
• Total Cholesterol - Essential substrate for hormones, vitamin D, and cell membrane function.
• Triglycerides - Sugar handling signal. (Also appears in Metabolic)
• hsCRP - Chronic vascular inflammation barometer. (Also appears in Inflammation & Immune)
• ESR - Charge-based blood inflammation signal. (Also appears in Inflammation & Immune)
• RDW - Vascular integrity marker. (Also appears in Blood Health & Clotting)
• Lp-PLA2 - Arterial wall inflammation and plaque instability signal.
• Myeloperoxidase - Oxidative vascular stress marker.
• NT Pro BNP - Cardiac wall stress marker.
Homocysteine: Standard under 15 umol/L → Foundation 5-10
AIP: Standard usually not tested → Foundation under 0.11
LDL: Standard under 100 → Foundation 100-190
Total Cholesterol: Standard under 200 → Foundation 180-280