The Cardiovascular Lab Checklist Most People Never See

Before symptoms appear, a scare occurs, or a diagnosis is made, certain blood markers often shift first. This checklist is designed to help you understand which labs are commonly associated with cardiovascular risk. By familiarizing yourself with these markers, you can have more informed conversations about your health.

Section 1: Inflammation & Silent Risk Markers

Heart disease often starts with inflammation long before pain or warning signs appear.

☐ hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein): Helps assess low-grade inflammation linked to heart disease risk.

☐ Fibrinogen: Associated with blood clotting and vascular inflammation.

☐ Homocysteine: Elevated levels may be linked to increased cardiovascular risk.

Section 2: Cholesterol — Beyond the Basics

Standard cholesterol tests don’t always tell the full story.

☐ LDL Particle Number (LDL-P): Measures how many LDL particles are circulating, not just the amount of cholesterol.

☐ Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): Provides insight into the number of atherogenic (plaque-forming) particles.

☐ Lipoprotein(a) – Lp(a): A genetic risk marker many people are never tested for.

Section 3: Blood Sugar & Metabolic Stress

Blood sugar imbalance can quietly strain the heart over time.

☐ Fasting Glucose: Baseline blood sugar levels.

☐ Hemoglobin A1C: Shows average blood sugar over the last 2–3 months.

☐ Fasting Insulin: Helps assess insulin resistance, a hidden cardiovascular risk factor.

Section 4: Nutrient & Vascular Support Markers

Deficiencies and imbalances can impact heart and vessel health.

☐ Vitamin D: Low levels are commonly associated with cardiovascular concerns.

☐ Magnesium: Plays a role in heart rhythm, blood pressure, and vascular function.

☐ Ferritin (Iron Storage): Both low and high levels may affect heart health.

Section 5: Early Stress on the Heart

These markers may change before imaging or symptoms.

☐ BNP or NT-proBNP: Associated with heart strain and fluid balance.

☐ Troponin (high-sensitivity, when appropriate): Used in specific contexts to assess cardiac stress.

Section 6: Ask Yourself

(This section increases engagement and self-identification)

Check any that apply:

☐ Heart disease runs in my family

☐ I’ve been told my labs are “normal” but still feel concerned

☐ I’ve only had basic cholesterol testing

☐ I want to be proactive—not reactive

☐ I prefer avoiding clinics when possible

If you checked two or more, further lab insight may be worth exploring.

What This Checklist Is (and Isn’t)

✔ Educational

✔ Conversation-starting

✔ Patient-empowering

✖ Not a diagnosis

✖ Not medical advice

✖ Not meant to replace provider care

Why Mobile Phlebotomy Makes This Easier

No waiting rooms

No rushing to labs

Blood drawn in the comfort of your home

Ideal for busy professionals, caregivers, and patients with mobility challenges. Understanding your labs starts with convenient access.