What is Cardiovascular Risk Profile 1?

Cardiovascular Risk Profile 1 is an advanced heart health blood test designed to assess not only cholesterol levels but also arterial inflammation and genetic lipid risk factors linked to heart disease.

This panel includes:

• Total Cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• HDL and LDL Cholesterol
• Apolipoprotein A (ApoA)
• Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
• Lipoprotein (a) – Lp(a)
• High-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP)
• PLAC Test (Lp-PLA2)

Unlike basic cholesterol testing, this profile evaluates the quality of lipoproteins and the presence of inflammation inside artery walls — a key driver of heart attacks and strokes.

Why do I need a Cardiovascular Risk Profile 1?

Many people with “normal cholesterol” still develop heart disease. This happens because standard lipid tests do not assess inflammatory activity or genetic lipid particles that damage arteries.

This test is recommended when you want a deeper understanding of heart disease risk.

Reasons for testing include:

• Family history of heart disease
• High cholesterol history
• High blood pressure or diabetes
• Unexplained fatigue or chest symptoms
• Monitoring cardiovascular prevention plans
• Assessing genetic lipid risk (Lp(a))
• Investigating hidden arterial inflammation

Symptoms and risk factors often include:

• Chest tightness on exertion
• Shortness of breath
• High blood pressure
• Abdominal weight gain
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking history
• Metabolic syndrome

This test helps identify cardiovascular risk before symptoms appear.

Benefits of the test

1. Goes beyond standard cholesterol

Assesses ApoB and ApoA which better reflect particle risk.

2. Detects genetic lipid risk

Lp(a) is inherited and strongly linked to heart attacks.

3. Measures arterial inflammation

hsCRP and PLAC detect inflammation inside artery walls.

4. Identifies hidden heart disease risk

Even when cholesterol appears normal.

5. Supports personalised prevention

Guides lifestyle and medical interventions.

6. Monitors treatment effectiveness

Useful when on statins or heart medications.

7. Early detection of atherosclerosis risk

Before plaques become dangerous.

8. Comprehensive cardiovascular picture

Combines lipids, inflammation, and genetics.

Expanded benefit explanation
Heart disease is driven by both cholesterol particles and inflammation. This combined panel reveals whether arteries are under inflammatory stress and whether lipoprotein particles are likely to cause plaque buildup.

Step-by-step — How testing works

We offer two UK-wide testing options:

Clinic testing
• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend appointment
• Blood sample collected
• Laboratory analysis performed
• Results securely returned

Home or hotel visit (+£60)
• Phlebotomist visits your location
• Blood sample collected safely
• No need to travel
• Sample transported to laboratory
• Results delivered confidentially

Both services are available across the UK.

Your results explained

Low levels

Low ApoB, low Lp(a), and low hsCRP indicate low cardiovascular risk.

Typical UK ranges:
• Total Cholesterol: <5 mmol/L
• HDL: >1.0 mmol/L (men), >1.2 mmol/L (women)
• LDL: <3 mmol/L
• hsCRP: <1 mg/L (low risk)
• Lp(a): <75 nmol/L

Interpretation:
Low likelihood of arterial inflammation or plaque formation.

Normal levels

Markers fall within acceptable ranges.

Interpretation:
Standard cardiovascular risk, but lifestyle management still important.

High levels

Elevated lipid or inflammation markers detected.

Possible findings:
• High ApoB indicating high atherogenic particles
• Elevated Lp(a) showing inherited heart risk
• High hsCRP or PLAC showing arterial inflammation
• High LDL or triglycerides contributing to plaque buildup

Interpretation:
Further cardiovascular evaluation and prevention strategy recommended.