Cardio IQ Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility

LDL Particle Number (LDL-P) directly quantifies the concentration (number) of LDL particles circulating in the blood. Like ApoB, this is considered a key driver of atherosclerosis, as risk is more closely related to the number of particles available to penetrate the arterial wall than the total cholesterol they carry. Lowering LDL-P is a primary goal for cardiovascular risk reduction in longevity-focused strategies. Ranges assume no underlying medical conditions such as prior heart disease.

Small LDL Particle Number (Small LDL-P) specifically quantifies the concentration of small, dense LDL particles. These particles are considered particularly atherogenic due to their ease of oxidation and penetration into the arterial wall, and they are strongly associated with insulin resistance and increased cardiovascular risk. Minimizing this subfraction is a key target in advanced lipid management.

Medium LDL Particle Number (Medium LDL-P) quantifies the concentration of medium-sized LDL particles in the blood, typically measured by advanced lipoprotein testing methods like NMR spectroscopy. These particles, while not as strongly associated with cardiovascular risk as small, dense LDL particles, are still considered atherogenic and contribute to the total LDL particle burden. Lowering the concentration of all atherogenic LDL particles, including medium-sized ones, is generally beneficial for reducing cardiovascular disease risk as part of a strategy to achieve optimal total LDL particle number (LDL-P) or ApoB levels.

HDL Large Particle Number (HDL-L) directly quantifies the concentration (number) of large HDL particles circulating in the blood. Like ApoB, this is considered a key driver of atherosclerosis, as risk is more closely related to the number of particles available to penetrate the arterial wall than the total cholesterol they carry. Lowering HDL-L is a primary goal for cardiovascular risk reduction in longevity-focused strategies. Ranges assume no underlying medical conditions such as prior heart disease.

LDL Pattern classifies the predominant size of LDL particles, typically as Pattern A (larger, buoyant) or Pattern B (smaller, dense). Pattern B is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome, as smaller, denser particles are thought to be more easily oxidized and penetrate the arterial wall. While LDL-P or ApoB provide particle count, pattern adds information about particle quality/size.

LDL Peak Size measures the average diameter of LDL particles in Angstroms (Å). Smaller LDL particle size (often corresponding to Pattern B) is linked to higher cardiovascular risk. Larger particle size (Pattern A) is generally considered more favorable. This measurement complements LDL particle number (LDL-P) by providing information on particle characteristics.