Why is ApoB better than LDL cholesterol?

ApoB counts the actual number of harmful particles, while LDL-C measures cholesterol content. You can have normal LDL-C but elevated ApoB - meaning more particles that can cause heart disease. ApoB is a better predictor of cardiovascular events.

What is Lp(a) and why should I test it?

Lp(a) is a genetically determined particle that dramatically increases heart disease risk. About 20% of people have elevated Lp(a). It only needs to be tested once - if it's high, tell your family members to get tested too.

Can I lower my Lp(a)?

Lp(a) is mostly genetic and doesn't respond well to diet or most medications. However, knowing you have elevated Lp(a) means you should aggressively manage other risk factors. New medications specifically targeting Lp(a) are in development.

Why include homocysteine?

Elevated homocysteine is linked to increased cardiovascular risk and is often caused by low B vitamins (B12, folate, B6). Unlike genetic factors, elevated homocysteine can often be lowered with B vitamin supplementation.

Back to Tests

Panel❤️ Heart HealthPopular

Advanced Heart Health Panel - Comprehensive Cardiovascular Assessment

Go beyond basic cholesterol testing. This advanced panel includes the markers cardiologists use to assess true cardiovascular risk: ApoB, Lp(a), homocysteine, and inflammation.

Standard cholesterol tests miss up to 50% of people at risk for heart disease. This advanced panel includes the markers that actually predict cardiovascular events:

• Lipid Panel - Standard cholesterol and triglycerides • ApoB - Counts harmful particles (better than LDL-C alone) • Lp(a) - Genetic risk factor, test once in your lifetime • Homocysteine - Linked to heart disease and B vitamin status • hs-CRP - Inflammation that drives arterial damage

Many people with "normal" cholesterol have elevated ApoB or Lp(a), putting them at significant risk. This panel reveals the complete picture.

Panel Price

$81

All-in

$99

incl. $18 lab & physician fee

You Save

Biomarkers

5 tests

Included Tests

Apolipoprotein B

Measures ApoB protein found on LDL particles. Better predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL-C alone.

Apolipoprotein B

$18

Lipoprotein(a)

Genetic marker for cardiovascular risk. Elevated Lp(a) increases risk of heart disease independent of LDL.

Lipoprotein(a)

$21

Homocysteine

Amino acid linked to cardiovascular risk when elevated. Also indicates B vitamin status.

Homocysteine

$23

Fasting

High-Sensitivity CRP

Measures inflammation marker associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Low-grade inflammation indicator.

hs-CRP

$15

Lipid Panel, Cardio IQ

Advanced lipid panel with more detailed cardiovascular risk markers.

TriglyceridesTotal CholesterolHDL CholesterolLDL Cholesterol+2 more

Fasting

Fasting Required

One or more tests in this panel require fasting for accurate results:

Do not eat or drink anything except water for 8-12 hours before your blood draw.
Water is allowed and encouraged - stay hydrated!
Schedule your lab visit in the morning for convenience.

How long to fast, and what breaks a fast →

What This Panel Measures

This panel measures 10+ markers: standard lipids (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides), ApoB (number of harmful particles), Lp(a) (genetic risk marker), homocysteine (amino acid linked to heart disease), and hs-CRP (inflammation). Together they provide a complete cardiovascular risk assessment.

Who Should Get This Panel

Anyone with family history of heart disease (especially early heart attacks), those with elevated cholesterol, people who've had abnormal lipid results, anyone wanting comprehensive heart risk assessment, and those whose family members have had strokes or heart attacks before age 60.

Health Insights

Conditions Screened

AtherosclerosisCardiovascular disease riskElevated Lp(a)High ApoBHyperhomocysteinemiaChronic inflammationFamilial hypercholesterolemia

Related Symptoms

Chest discomfortShortness of breathFamily history of heart attacksHigh blood pressureFatigue with exertionFamily history of stroke

When to Get Tested

Fasting for 9-12 hours is required for accurate lipid results. Lp(a) only needs to be tested once in your lifetime - it's genetically determined and doesn't change. Other markers can be tested annually.

Understanding Your Results

Key targets: LDL <100 (or <70 if high risk), ApoB <90 mg/dL (or <80 if high risk), Lp(a) <30 mg/dL (elevated is genetic - tell family to test!), homocysteine <10 µmol/L, hs-CRP <1.0 mg/L. Elevated results warrant discussion with a cardiologist.

How much does the Advanced Heart Health Panel cost?

The Advanced Heart Health Panel costs $81 at JustLabs — $99 all-in, since the $18 lab & physician order fee is charged once per order, however many tests you add. The price is fixed before your blood draw; no insurance or doctor visit needed.

Option	Price	Order all-in	Notes
Advanced Heart Health Panel at JustLabsDrawn at Quest Diagnostics	$81	$99	Includes the one $18 fee, charged once per order
The same 5 tests ordered individually	$85	$103	The panel saves $4

Paying with an HSA or FSA? See which lab tests qualify

Frequently Asked Questions

Panel5 tests · 10 biomarkers

Hospital cash price: $250–$600

$81

+ $18 order fee · $99 all-inOne $18 fee per order covers your Quest blood draw and the independent physician order, however many tests you add.

Save $4 vs. ordering these tests separately

ApoB
Lp(a)
Homocysteine
hs-CRP
Cardio IQ Lipid

No insurance needed · HSA/FSA eligible

Physician-ordered
CLIA-certified Quest lab
Drawn at Quest Diagnostics

Need Individual Tests?

You can also order any of these tests individually if you don't need the full panel.

Browse Individual Tests

$81

+ $18 order fee · $99 all-in