Description
Advanced Cholesterol Profile
This profile likely includes a standard lipid panel (Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides) plus advanced markers such as LDL particle size/count, HDL subfractions, or apolipoproteins (ApoB, ApoA1).
What does this test measure?
An advanced cholesterol profile gives a more nuanced assessment of cardiovascular risk than basic cholesterol numbers. For example, it may report:
- Small dense LDL particles (more atherogenic) vs. large buoyant LDL
- Lp(a) levels (genetic risk factor)
- Ratio of ApoB/ApoA1
Who is this test most suitable for?
- Individuals with high-fat diet, sedentary lifestyle
- People on cholesterol-lowering therapy
- Those with family history of early heart attack
Clinical Use
Used for patients with:
- Strong family history of heart disease
- “Normal” cholesterol but early heart disease
- Hard-to-explain cardiac risk
Guides more aggressive therapy if high-risk patterns are seen, or provides reassurance if LDL is mostly large/fluffy. Essentially tailors prevention by characterizing lipoprotein details.
