Track Your Health

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body, making it an important marker for assessing your iron levels. It also acts as an acute-phase protein, meaning its levels can increase in response to inflammation or infection. Measuring ferritin levels helps determine if you have enough iron to support vital functions like making red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body. Low ferritin levels can indicate iron deficiency, leading to anemia, fatigue, and weakened immunity. High ferritin levels can suggest conditions like hemochromatosis (iron overload) or chronic inflammation.

The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is highly valuable for detecting atherogenic (plaque-filled artery) risk. The lower the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio, the lower the risk.

ApoB is an atherogenic particle responsible for transporting "bad" cholesterol, contributing to plaque formation in arteries. Research indicates that ApoB is a more accurate predictor of cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction, compared to LDL-C. Elevated ApoB levels are strongly linked to increased cardiovascular risk, making it a valuable biomarker for assessing the likelihood of cardiovascular disease.

ApoA1, the main protein in HDL-C particles, plays a crucial role in cholesterol transport and clearance. It is considered the most informative biomarker for "good" cholesterol and is used to assess cardiovascular disease risk.

HDL Cholesterol (HDL-C) is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream, transporting it to the liver for excretion. HDL-C helps protect your arteries from the buildup of plaque, which can lead to atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Additionally, HDL-C plays a role in metabolic health by influencing insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation.

LDL Cholesterol (LDL-C), often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, is a type of cholesterol that can build up in the walls of your arteries, forming plaques. This buildup can narrow and harden your arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.

HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) is a biomarker that measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months and is used to diagnose and monitor diabetes. Levels that are consistently above 5.6% may warrant a visit to a physician.

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood, and they are an important biomarker for assessing your overall health, especially your heart health. Measuring triglyceride levels is valuable because high levels can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and pancreatitis. Elevated triglycerides are often associated with other conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. High triglycerides can also be a sign of insulin resistance, where your body doesn't use insulin effectively, leading to higher blood sugar levels and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) is a biomarker that measures low levels of inflammation in your body. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic low-level inflammation can be a sign of underlying health issues, including cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. Elevated hs-CRP levels are associated with a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and conditions like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Measuring DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) levels is important because DHEA-S is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to other hormones like estrogen and testosterone. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, immune function, and the body's response to stress. Abnormal DHEA-S levels can indicate issues such as adrenal gland disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or chronic stress.

Estradiol is a key hormone in the body, important for both women and men. In women, it regulates the menstrual cycle, reproductive system, and overall hormonal balance. In men, estradiol is essential for maintaining bone density, modulating libido, and supporting sperm production. Measuring estradiol levels is valuable for assessing reproductive health, diagnosing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or menopause in women, and evaluating bone health and hormonal balance in both sexes. Abnormal estradiol levels can also impact cardiovascular health and mood.

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in managing stress, regulating metabolism, reducing inflammation, and controlling blood sugar levels. Abnormally high cortisol levels can be a sign of chronic stress, Cushing's syndrome, or other health problems, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and mood swings. Conversely, abnormally low cortisol levels can indicate adrenal insufficiency or Addison's disease, resulting in fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure.

The testosterone:cortisol ratio is a valuable biomarker that measures the balance between testosterone, a hormone essential for muscle growth and energy, and cortisol, a hormone related to stress and breakdown of tissue. This ratio provides insights into your overall hormonal balance and how well your body is managing stress and recovery. A high testosterone:cortisol ratio suggests a favorable environment for muscle growth, physical performance, and recovery, indicating that your body is in a healthy, anabolic state. On the other hand, a low ratio can indicate increased stress, overtraining, or insufficient recovery, which can lead to muscle breakdown, fatigue, and impaired performance.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is a crucial biomarker used to assess thyroid function. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) by the thyroid gland. These hormones are essential for regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall health. High TSH levels can indicate hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), where the thyroid isn't producing enough hormones, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Low TSH levels can indicate hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), where the thyroid produces too many hormones, causing symptoms like weight loss, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat.

25-(OH) Vitamin D is an important biomarker for assessing your vitamin D status, which is essential for bone strength, immune function, and overall well-being. Your body produces vitamin D through sun exposure and obtains it from certain foods and supplements. Low levels can lead to bone problems, weakened immunity, and increased risk of chronic diseases, while excessively high levels can cause toxicity.

Homocysteine (HCY) is an amino acid in your blood that is normally broken down by vitamins B6, B12, and folate. Measuring homocysteine levels is important because high levels can indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. Elevated homocysteine levels can also be linked to deficiencies in these essential vitamins.

Fasting insulin levels measure the amount of insulin in your blood after you haven't eaten for at least 8 hours. This is important because insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. By measuring fasting insulin, you can gain insights into how well your body is managing blood sugar and whether you might be developing insulin resistance, a condition where the body doesn't respond properly to insulin. Insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and other health issues.

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body, making it an important marker for assessing your iron levels. It also acts as an acute-phase protein, meaning its levels can increase in response to inflammation or infection. Measuring ferritin levels helps determine if you have enough iron to support vital functions like making red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body. Low ferritin levels can indicate iron deficiency, leading to anemia, fatigue, and weakened immunity. High ferritin levels can suggest conditions like hemochromatosis (iron overload) or chronic inflammation.

The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is highly valuable for detecting atherogenic (plaque-filled artery) risk. The lower the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio, the lower the risk.