Advanced Heart Health Test

Total cholesterol measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including HDL and LDL. Cholesterol is created in the liver and plays an important role in multiple bodily functions such as; creating vitamin D and bile and being the membrane of all of your body's cells. Cholesterol helps to transport fatty acids around through the blood, and can act as a great indicator of your heart health, such as predispositions to cardiovascular issues such as a heart attack and heart disease.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a significant role in various bodily functions. It is best known for its importance in maintaining healthy bones and teeth because it aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the food we eat. Additionally, it also supports immune system function and has roles in cell growth modulation, neuromuscular functions, and inflammation reduction.

Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized by the body through the exposure of the skin to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B radiation. Nonetheless, during the winter months or in geographic areas with less sunlight, or due to lifestyle factors like spending more time indoors or using sunblock, many people may not get enough Vitamin D, which can lead to deficiency. Certain dietary sources like fatty fish, cheese, egg yolks, and fortified foods (like milk or cereals) can also provide Vitamin D, but it can be challenging to get enough through diet alone.

As a biomarker, Vitamin D is often assessed in home health tests, typically through a simple blood test. In particular, the test measures the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in the blood, which is the main form of Vitamin D in the blood and the best general indicator of overall Vitamin D status.

Vitamin D deficiency is defined as a 25(OH)D below 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/l), and Vitamin D insufficiency as a 25(OH)D of 20–29 ng/ml (50–74 nmol/l). Normal levels are considered to be above 30 ng/ml (75 nmol/l), although exact "optimal" blood levels of Vitamin D are still somewhat under debate among experts.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a number of health issues, including:

Bone Health: Rickets in children, a condition that results in soft bones and skeletal deformities, and osteomalacia in adults, resulting in weak bones and muscle weakness.

Immune Function: Lower immune function and a higher susceptibility to infection.

Chronic Diseases: Emerging research suggests potential links between low Vitamin D levels and an increased risk of certain types of cancers, autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease.

Home health tests for Vitamin D levels are particularly important for certain high-risk groups, including older adults, people with limited sun exposure, people with darker skin, and people with disorders that limit their body's ability to absorb or convert Vitamin D. It's always important to discuss your results with a healthcare provider, who can provide personalized advice and potential treatment options if your Vitamin D levels are low.

HDL is an abbreviation for high-density lipoprotein and is often referred to as the 'good cholesterol' because of its role in removing other forms of cholesterol from your body. HDL can help to protect your heart and blood vessels due to its anti-inflammatory effect, anti-oxidant properties and its ability to remove excess fat to the liver for processing. Therefore having optimal HDL levels is essential to your health. Our Welzo HDL test will identify your HDL levels and give insight into improvements that need to be made to help boost your HDL levels.

LDL or Low-density lipoprotein helps the body transport fat such as Triglycerides. However, LDL is often referred to as the 'bad' cholesterol because when your LDL levels are elevated, you face an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. These include heart attack and heart disease. This occurs as LDL can lead to fatty deposits accruing in the artery walls leading to atherosclerosis.

To check inflammation levels, we conducted an advanced CRP evaluation. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a protein found in the blood which increases in response to inflammation. CRP is produced by the liver in response to inflammation. It is a biomarker of inflammation that is strongly associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke. High levels of CRP are found in people with chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and in people who have had a recent heart attack or stroke. CRP is not a specific marker for any one disease, but it is a valuable indicator of inflammation.