Atherosclerosis Profile – 3
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Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in artery walls, forming plaques that can block blood flow and impair oxygen and nutrient supply to vital organs. It most commonly affects the coronary arteries, leading to coronary artery disease (CAD). Cardiovascular disease, which causes heart attacks and strokes, is the leading cause of death in asymptomatic individuals. Risk factors such as age, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol levels help identify those at risk of ischemic events. The test measures various parameters related to atherosclerosis and plaque formation.
The Atherosclerosis Profile-3 test is a comprehensive diagnostic package designed to assess an individual’s risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis. The test involves a series of blood tests that measure various parameters associated with the formation of plaques in blood vessels, which can lead to serious conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
By evaluating key markers like apolipoproteins, lipoproteins, inflammation indicators, and homocysteine levels, the Atherosclerosis Profile-3 test provides valuable insights into a person’s cardiovascular health. This test is especially important for individuals with risk factors or existing conditions that may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, enabling early detection, risk assessment, and the implementation of preventive measures or treatment plans to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
Created By : Dr.Shibani R Medical Writer, Medical Affairs
Reasons for Undergoing the Atherosclerosis Profile-3 Test
The Atherosclerosis Profile-3 test is often prescribed for individuals with risk factors or existing conditions that may lead to atherosclerosis. Some reasons for undergoing this test include:
- Hyperlipidaemia (high blood cholesterol)
- Hypercholesterolemia (excess LDL)
- Existing plaque in heart vessels (atherosclerosis)
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Family history of heart ailments
- Alcohol and tobacco use
List of Parameters Considered During the Atherosclerosis Profile-3 Test
The Atherosclerosis Profile-3 test measures several key parameters:
- Total Cholesterol (TC): Indicates the total amount of cholesterol in the blood. High levels increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
- Triglycerides (TG): Measures the level of triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. High levels are associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis and cardiovascular disease.
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol: Often referred to as “good” cholesterol, higher levels are associated with lower cardiovascular risk.
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol: Known as “bad” cholesterol, high levels increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
- Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]: High levels of Lp(a) are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): Measures the number of LDL particles, which is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL cholesterol alone.
- Homocysteine (Hcy): Elevated levels are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Ultra-sensitive C-reactive Protein (us-CRP) or High-Sensitivity CRP: Indicates inflammation in the body, which is associated with cardiovascular risk.
- Fibrinogen: Measures the level of a protein involved in blood clotting. High levels can indicate increased cardiovascular risk.
Atherosclerosis Profile-3 Test Preparation
Preparing for the Atherosclerosis Profile-3 test is straightforward:
- Fasting: You may be required to fast for 8–12 hours before the test, especially if triglyceride and glucose measurements are included.
- Medications and Supplements: Inform your doctors about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. Some may need to be stopped temporarily before the test.
- Hydration: Stay hydrated, but avoid eating or drinking anything other than water if fasting is required.
- Pre-Test Instructions: Follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor, such as avoiding strenuous exercise or certain foods before the test.
Atherosclerosis Profile-3 Test Results & Interpretation
The results of the Atherosclerosis Profile-3 test will be interpreted by your doctor in the context of your overall health and risk factors:
- Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels: High levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, along with low levels of HDL cholesterol, indicate a higher risk of atherosclerosis.
- Other Biomarkers: Elevated levels of lipoprotein(a), ApoB, homocysteine, us-CRP, and fibrinogen also indicate increased cardiovascular risk.
- Risk Stratification: Your doctor will use these results to stratify your risk and recommend appropriate lifestyle changes, medications, or further diagnostic tests if necessary.
Home Collection for Atherosclerosis Profile-3 Test Near You
SimplyCare offers a convenient home sample collection service for the Atherosclerosis Profile-3 test. A trained phlebotomist will come to your doorstep to collect the required blood samples, ensuring comfort and safety while maintaining high standards of sample handling and testing accuracy. This service allows you to undergo the test without the need to visit a lab or clinic. With timely and reliable results, SimplyCare is committed to making healthcare accessible and providing quality diagnostic solutions conveniently at home.
Price : ₹ 7365
The Atherosclerosis Profile – 3 test evaluates the health of the heart’s blood vessels and the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and peripheral vascular conditions. It measures various cholesterol levels and includes tests like Lp(a), which helps assess how cholesterol is transported in the body, and Apolipoproteins B/A ratio, which provides a more detailed heart disease risk profile than routine cholesterol tests. The test also measures Lp-PLA2, a vascular inflammation marker that helps detect early-stage cardiovascular disease, even in individuals with normal cholesterol levels, especially those with a family history of heart disease.
The test measures the following parameters in the blood: Total Cholesterol, HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein), Non-HDL Cholesterol, LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), VLDL (Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein), Triglycerides, Lp(a), Apolipoproteins B/A1, and Lp-PLA2 levels.
The phlebotomist will apply a tourniquet, clean the skin, and ask you to make a fist before drawing blood into a vacutainer for testing.
Maintaining healthy lipid levels reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Conditions indicating increased cardiovascular risk include:
- Low HDL levels: Linked to higher risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD).
- High Non-HDL Cholesterol: Also increases ASCVD risk.
- Elevated Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)]: Contributes to plaque buildup in arteries, raising the risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular diseases.
- High Apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio: More accurately predicts heart disease risk than standard cholesterol tests.
- Elevated Lp-PLA2 levels: Indicates vascular inflammation and a higher risk of plaque rupture and cardiovascular events.
The patient needs to fast for 12-14 hours before a phlebotomist can collect blood samples.
The normal ranges of the various parameters measured in the Atherosclerosis Profile-3 test are as follows:
Lipoprotein (a)
- Moderate (< 50 mg/dl)
- Risk (> 50 mg/dl)
Apolipoprotein B/A-1
- Low (> 0.7)
- Moderate (0.7-0.9)
- Risk (> 0.9)
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2
- Normal (< 200 mg/dl)
- Borderline (200 – 235 mg/dl)
- Risk (> 235 mg/dl)
Atherosclerosis, also referred to as arteriosclerosis or coronary heart disease (CAD), results in the blockage of coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. If left untreated, it can lead to serious cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks, chest pain, and cardiac arrest.
