Heart Health Lab Panel + Follow-up TRT Lab Panel for Men LabCorp

The physicians at Defy Medical have customized a panel of blood tests to provide a thorough assessment of cardiovascular health. The Defy practitioners recommend that patients order this Heart Health Lab Panel in conjunction with routine follow-up blood work for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) for Men or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for Women. Below is a breakdown of each test included in the Heart Health Panel and Follow-up TRT Lab Panel for Men. 

Heart Health Lab Panel 

• NMR LipoProfile® with IR (Insulin Resistance) Markers - An advanced cardiovascular diagnostic test that uses nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to uniquely provide rapid, simultaneous, and direct measurement of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) particle number and size of LDL particles; as well as direct measurement of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) subclasses. This detailed lipoprotein particle information allows clinicians to make more effective, individualized treatment decisions than previously possible based on standard lipid panel testing. The atherosclerotic culprit is LDL particle number, not LDL cholesterol. To read more about this test, click here. 

• C-Reactive Protein (CRP), High Sensitivity (Cardiac Risk Assessment) - This testing may add to the predictive value of other markers used to assess the risk of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. Increases in CRP values are nonspecific. CRP is an indicator of a wide range of disease processes and should not be interpreted without a complete clinical history. Recent medical events resulting in tissue injury, infections, or inflammation, which may cause elevated CRP levels, should also be considered when interpreting results. Serial analysis of CRP should not be used to monitor the effects of treatment. To read more about this test, click here. 

• Homocyst(e)ine, Plasma - Homocysteine is a chemical in the blood that is produced when an amino acid (a building block of protein) called methionine is broken down in the body. We all have some homocysteine in our blood. Elevated homocysteine levels (also called homocysteinemia) may cause irritation of the blood vessels. Elevated levels of homocysteine show an increased risk for (1) hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which could eventually result in a heart attack and/or stroke, and (2) blood clots in the veins, referred to as venous thrombosis. To read more about this test, click here. 

• Lipoprotein(a) - The Lipoprotein(a) test is used in conjunction with a clinical evaluation to determine the risk for coronary heart disease. Note: Intake of alcohol, aspirin, niacin, and estrogen supplements have the potential of causing a misrepresentation of true Lp(a) concentrations. To read more about this test, click here. 

• Hemoglobin A1c - A Hemoglobin A1c test is used to evaluate glucose levels in the bloodstream over 2-3 months prior to having the test completed. This test is very important to monitor in Diabetes management. Scientists believe that keeping blood sugar in the body within a normal range can help individuals with diabetes avoid many of the associated risks and side effects that they often face. The benefit of the hemoglobin A1c blood test is that it provides information on overall glycemic health over a several month period. Other blood tests that measure glucose levels are highly sensitive for determining blood sugar levels at the time that the test is taken; although they do not give information on average glucose levels (which HgB A1c does). To read more about this test, click here. 

• IGF- 1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) - IGF-1 is used as a biomarker for blood levels of human growth hormone (hGH). Blood levels of IGF-1 appear to be constant over 24 hours and are found to be related to growth hormone secretion. It is a hormone produced by the liver and other tissues, which affects growth-promoting activities and glucose metabolism. Since IGF-1 is related to the production and secretion of hGH, many doctors use this measurement to assess growth hormone status. To read more about this test, click here. 

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential/Platelets - One of the most commonly ordered tests for routine checkups and/or physical exams. A CBC with Differential measures the levels of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), Platelet count, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, RDW, MCV, MCH, MCHC, Neutrophils, Absolute Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, and Basophils. This test can be used to aid in diagnosing and treating a large number of other conditions. To read more about this test, click here. 

• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) - A chemical screening of 14 blood tests, which serve as an initial medical screening tool to review overall health. These 14 tests include Alanine aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT); albumin: globulin (A:G) ratio; albumin, serum; alkaline phosphatase, serum; aspartate aminotransferase (AST/SGOT); bilirubin, total; BUN; BUN:creatinine ratio; calcium, serum; carbon dioxide, total; chloride, serum; creatinine, serum; eGFR calculation; globulin, total; glucose, serum; potassium, serum; protein, total, serum; sodium, serum. This CMP-14 function as a check for kidney function, liver function, electrolyte, and fluid balance. To read more about this test, click here. 

• Testosterone Free and Total - Testosterone is a hormone produced in the body, which helps to maintain reproductive tissues; stimulate sperm production; stimulate and maintain sexual function; increase muscle mass and strength; maintain bone strength; as well as decrease risk of disease and death. Free testosterone measures the amount of testosterone that can be used by the body. Total Testosterone measures the amount of testosterone in your blood. To read more about this test, click here. 

• Estradiol Sensitive (LC/MS) - Estradiol Sensitive is the most accurate test for estradiol (E2) in men. This test is recommended for men considering or undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), especially before prescribing any type of "estrogen blocker" (aromatase inhibitor/AI or selective estrogen receptor modulator/SERM). To read more about this test, click here. 

• DHEA-Sulfate - Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that is secreted by the adrenal gland and is also made in the brain. DHEA is a precursor to androgen and estrogen production (male and female sex hormones). DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after the age of 30 and levels have been seen to decrease more rapidly in females. To read more about this test, click here. 

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) - Produced and secreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4. TSH is used as a first line screening tool to assess thyroid disease. Additionally, health care providers check TSH to monitor disease progression and treatment. To read more about this test, click here. 

• Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) - PSA is produced exclusively by cells of the prostate gland. Used in conjunction with the digital rectal exam (DRE), PSA is a useful screening test for benign prostate enlargement, prostatitis, and prostate cancer development. To read more about this test, click here. 

• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) - SHBG levels are under the positive control of estrogen and thyroid hormones, while they are suppressed by androgens. These influences dynamically control the liver synthesis of this carrier protein. To read more about this test, click here.