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Health concern hub · curatedHeart health & cholesterol: where to start.
A cholesterol number you're not sure what to do with, blood pressure creeping, a family history. The markers that actually predict risk — ApoB, Lp(a), hs-CRP, insulin — and the plate and habits that move them.
Where should I start?
Three steps, in order.
1Get the right markers
ApoB over LDL-C; Lp(a) once; hs-CRP and fasting insulin.
2Understand your numbers
Review the heart test list, including ApoB, hs-CRP and triglycerides, to discuss with your doctor.
Review the heart tests →Read these first.
From The Dr. Axe Show.
Watch more episodes →The High Blood Pressure Protocol
Bloodwork Marker Reader
Create a free account, then enter your ApoB or hs-CRP in the Bloodwork Marker Reader.
Open Bloodwork Marker Reader (free account)Straight answers.
My LDL is normal but triglycerides are high — should I test ApoB?
Yes. That's the discordant pattern where ApoB tells the truth and LDL-C doesn't.
Does diet move ApoB?
Fiber, weight loss, replacing saturated fat with unsaturated, and fixing insulin all move it — often 10–20%.
What is Lp(a)?
A largely genetic particle that raises risk independently; test it once.
Before a cardiology visit
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