Type
Blood Testing
Biomarkers
14
Duration
15 min
Results
48 hours
Targeted cardiovascular risk assessment combining a full lipid panel with high-sensitivity CRP, homocysteine, and lipoprotein(a) — the four pillars of modern atherosclerosis risk stratification beyond standard cholesterol testing.
The Atherosklerose panel goes beyond a standard lipid screen by including the three most validated non-lipid cardiovascular risk markers. Standard lipid panels miss approximately 50% of cardiovascular events — many patients who suffer heart attacks have normal LDL cholesterol. This panel addresses that gap. The lipid component includes total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. HDL-to-total-cholesterol ratio and triglyceride-to-HDL ratio are increasingly recognised as more predictive of cardiovascular events than any single lipid parameter. Triglycerides above 150 mg/dL in the context of low HDL suggest insulin resistance and atherogenic small dense LDL particles. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) measures low-grade systemic inflammation, which is now understood as a central driver of atherosclerosis rather than merely a bystander. The JUPITER trial demonstrated that statin therapy reduces cardiovascular events in patients with elevated hs-CRP even when LDL cholesterol is normal, establishing inflammation as an independent treatment target. Values below 1.0 mg/L indicate low cardiovascular risk, 1.0-3.0 moderate risk, and above 3.0 high risk — though values above 10 suggest acute inflammation or infection rather than cardiovascular risk. Homocysteine is an amino acid intermediate in methionine metabolism. Elevated levels (above 15 micromol/L) are associated with a 2-3 fold increase in cardiovascular risk, independent of traditional risk factors. Homocysteine elevation often reflects inadequate B-vitamin status (folate, B12, B6) and responds well to supplementation in most cases. The MTHFR C677T polymorphism, carried by 10-15% of Europeans in homozygous form, impairs folate metabolism and predisposes to hyperhomocysteinaemia. Lipoprotein(a) is a genetically determined cardiovascular risk factor that is elevated in approximately one in five Europeans. Unlike LDL, Lp(a) does not respond to diet or statin therapy. Its measurement is recommended at least once in a lifetime by the European Atherosclerosis Society, as elevated Lp(a) influences the intensity of treatment for other modifiable risk factors. Values above 50 mg/dL confer significant additional cardiovascular risk.
Key Details
- Biomarkers
- 7
- Results
- 1-2 days
- All-in price
- €75.14
Who Is This For?
Cardiovascular risk assessment, family history of heart disease, elevated cholesterol follow-up, first Lp(a) measurement, statin decision support
What's Included
Preparation Required
Fasting for 10-12 hours required for accurate lipid values. Water is permitted. Morning appointment recommended.
Panel Categories
Biomarkers Tested
14The main protein component of HDL cholesterol particles. Higher ApoA1 levels reflect more HDL particles and are associated with lower cardiovascular risk. The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is a powerful predictor of heart disease.
The primary protein on LDL and VLDL particles. Each atherogenic lipoprotein particle carries exactly one ApoB molecule, making it a direct measure of the number of particles that can enter artery walls. Considered a superior predictor of cardiovascular risk compared to LDL cholesterol.
A protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. CRP rises rapidly during infection, injury, or inflammatory conditions. It's a general marker — elevated CRP signals inflammation but doesn't pinpoint the source.
A protein essential for blood clotting that also serves as an inflammation marker. Elevated fibrinogen increases blood viscosity and clot risk, contributing to cardiovascular disease independent of cholesterol levels.
Often called 'good' cholesterol, HDL carries cholesterol away from arteries back to the liver for removal. Higher HDL levels are protective against heart disease. Exercise, healthy fats, and moderate alcohol intake can raise HDL.
An amino acid produced during protein metabolism. Elevated homocysteine is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cognitive decline. Levels are lowered by adequate B12, folate, and B6 intake.
A highly sensitive test for low-grade chronic inflammation linked to cardiovascular disease risk. Lower hs-CRP values are associated with better cardiovascular outcomes.
Often called 'bad' cholesterol, LDL deposits cholesterol in artery walls, contributing to plaque buildup and atherosclerosis. LDL is the primary target for cardiovascular risk reduction through diet, exercise, and medication.
Lp(a) is a cholesterol-carrying particle linked to genetic risk for heart disease. High levels increase cardiovascular risk.
Marker of heart stress and function
The combined measure of all cholesterol in your blood, including HDL, LDL, and VLDL. While useful as an overview, the breakdown between HDL and LDL is more clinically meaningful for assessing cardiovascular risk.
The most common type of fat in the body, stored for energy. Elevated triglycerides — often from excess sugar, alcohol, or calories — increase cardiovascular risk and can cause pancreatitis at very high levels.
Troponin is a protein involved in heart muscle contraction. Elevated levels are a marker of heart damage, often used to diagnose heart attacks.
€75.14 all-inclusive (blood draw + processing fee included). No additional surcharges.
- Category
- Diagnostic
- Sample Type
- Blood (venous draw)
- Duration
- 15 min
- Results
- 48 hours