Heart, vascular and inflammation markers

Why it matters: Each LDL, VLDL and IDL particle carries one ApoB, so ApoB counts the particles that can lodge in artery walls. The 2026 ACC/AHA dyslipidemia guideline uses ApoB to refine risk and to guide treatment, especially with diabetes, high triglycerides or a low LDL.

Ranges: Goals in the 2026 ACC/AHA guideline: under 90, 70 or 55 mg/dL depending on your overall risk.

What can affect it: Diet, weight, insulin resistance, thyroid function and cholesterol medicines.

If it’s out of range: Weighed with your 10-year risk; a lifestyle plan and, when appropriate, medicine.

When to retest: 8–12 weeks after a diet or medicine change.

Why it matters: Lp(a) is set mainly by your genes and changes little over life. The 2026 ACC/AHA guideline and the National Lipid Association recommend measuring it at least once in every adult.

Ranges: 125 nmol/L (about 50 mg/dL) or higher raises heart attack and stroke risk about 1.4-fold; 250 nmol/L (about 100 mg/dL) or higher about 2-fold (ACC/AHA 2026).

What can affect it: Mostly genetics. Kidney disease and menopause can raise it.

If it’s out of range: A high level lowers the threshold for treating other risk factors; close relatives may want testing.

When to retest: Usually not repeated.

Why it matters: LDL is the main treatment target in the 2026 ACC/AHA dyslipidemia guideline, with goals of under 100, 70 or 55 mg/dL depending on your risk. In the standard panel it is calculated from the other three lipid results.

Ranges: Below 100 mg/dL is considered optimal; 190 mg/dL or higher usually warrants treatment.

What can affect it: Diet, weight, genetics, thyroid function and medicines.

If it’s out of range: Combined with blood pressure and age to estimate 10-year risk and set a goal.

When to retest: 4–12 weeks after starting or changing a statin.

Condition guide: High cholesterol care online

Why it matters: Used in heart-risk calculators. Raising HDL with medicine has not been shown to prevent heart attacks.

Ranges: Low below 40 mg/dL in men and below 50 mg/dL in women.

What can affect it: Exercise, weight, smoking and genetics.

If it’s out of range: Considered in your overall risk estimate.

When to retest: With your next lipid panel.

Condition guide: High cholesterol care online

Why it matters: Persistently elevated triglycerides (175 mg/dL or more) are a risk-enhancing factor in ACC/AHA cholesterol guidelines.

Ranges: 150 mg/dL or higher is elevated; 500 or higher needs prompt treatment.

What can affect it: Recent meals, alcohol, blood sugar, weight and some medicines.

If it’s out of range: A nutrition plan; very high levels are treated promptly to protect the pancreas.

When to retest: 8–12 weeks after changes.

Condition guide: High cholesterol care online

Why it matters: Used with HDL in heart-risk calculators.

Ranges: Below 200 mg/dL is desirable.

What can affect it: Diet, genetics and medicines.

If it’s out of range: Read together with LDL, HDL and ApoB.

When to retest: With your next lipid panel.

Condition guide: High cholesterol care online

Why it matters: A secondary treatment target, especially useful when triglycerides are high.

Ranges: Goal is usually 30 mg/dL above your LDL goal.

What can affect it: Same as LDL and triglycerides.

If it’s out of range: Shown on your report, not counted as a separate test.

When to retest: With your lipid panel.

Condition guide: High cholesterol care online

Why it matters: ACC/AHA cholesterol guidelines treat hs-CRP of 2.0 mg/L or more as a risk-enhancing factor.

Ranges: 2.0 mg/L or higher is risk-enhancing; above 10 suggests an acute illness.

What can affect it: Infections, injuries, arthritis flares, weight and smoking.

If it’s out of range: A very high result is repeated after you recover.

When to retest: 2–3 weeks after an illness if it was high.