{"id":29,"date":"2026-11-06T09:06:21","date_gmt":"2026-11-06T09:06:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/?p=29"},"modified":"2026-11-06T09:06:21","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T09:06:21","slug":"new-cholesterol-guidelines-recommend-3-tests-that-can-better-predict-heart-disease-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/?p=29","title":{"rendered":"New Cholesterol Guidelines Recommend 3 Tests That Can Better Predict Heart Disease Risk"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__video_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__video mntl-jwplayer mm-video lazyloadwait\" data-bgset=\"\" data-sizes=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title--text_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title--text mntl-text-block text-utility-100\"><\/div>\n<p><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><br \/>\n<svg class=\"icon close-icon \">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#close-icon\" href=\"#close-icon\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"health-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp health-sc-page mntl-sc-page mntl-block structured-content article-content expert-content right-rail__offset lock-journey\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"60\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"24\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"4\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[400, 1400, 1400, 1700, 2000, 2200, 2400, 2600, 2800]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-callout--key-takeaway_1-0\" class=\"comp health-sc-block-callout--key-takeaway health-sc-block-callout-base mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-key-takeaway theme-key-takeaway\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block expert-content\">\n<ul>\n<li>The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology released updated cholesterol guidelines that expand how cardiovascular risk is assessed.<\/li>\n<li>The new guidance recommends three additional tests\u2014apoB, lipoprotein(a), and coronary artery calcium.<\/li>\n<li>These tests can help identify hidden cardiovascular risk that standard LDL and HDL cholesterol tests may miss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have updated their cholesterol management guidelines for the first time since 2018, aiming to improve how healthcare providers assess cardiovascular disease risk.<span data-cite=\"1\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> The new guidelines recommend three additional screening tests beyond standard LDL (\u201cbad\u201d) and HDL (\u201cgood\u201d) cholesterol measurements: coronary artery calcium, lipoprotein (a), and apolipoprotein B.<span data-cite=\"1\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-when-standard-cholesterol-test-falls-short\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> When Standard Cholesterol Test Falls Short <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> LDL and HDL are lipoproteins that carry cholesterol through the bloodstream. About one in four U.S. adults has <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/why-is-my-cholesterol-high-5202471\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">high LDL cholesterol<\/a>, which causes plaque to build up in the arteries and increases the <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/high-cholesterol-and-stroke-risk-697863\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">risk of heart attack and stroke<\/a>. <span data-cite=\"13\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from the body.<span data-cite=\"2\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span><span data-cite=\"3\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span><span data-cite=\"4\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mm-ads-native_1-0\" class=\"comp mm-ads-native \" style=\"--native-ad-height: auto\" data-right-rail-index=\"1\">\n<div id=\"mm-ads-native__adunit_1-0\" class=\"comp mm-ads-native__adunit mm-ads-gpt-dynamic-adunit mm-ads-gpt-adunit scads-to-load gpt native js-immediate-ad js-immediate-ad-loaded\">\n<div id=\"native\" class=\"wrapper\" data-type=\"native\" data-pos=\"native\" data-priority=\"4\" data-sizes=\"[[1, 3],&quot;fluid&quot;]\" data-rtb=\"false\" data-wait-for-third-party=\"false\" data-targeting=\"{}\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Cholesterol levels are typically checked during routine blood work. If LDL levels are high, a healthcare provider may recommend <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/crestor-vs-lipitor-similarities-and-differences-7775490\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">cholesterol-lowering medications<\/a> such as statins or lifestyle changes.<span data-cite=\"5\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> However, cholesterol numbers alone don\u2019t always capture a person\u2019s full risk for heart disease, and some people may benefit from additional screening tests.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cStudies have shown that cardiovascular events associated with the lipoprotein dysregulation characterizing [cardiometabolic] disorders are inadequately predicted by LDL-C,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/providers.nchmd.org\/fl\/naples\/carl-e-orringer\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Carl E. Orringer, MD<\/a>, a writing committee member of the 2026 guidelines and director of preventive cardiology at Naples Comprehensive Health Care System in Florida, told Verywell in an email.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-digiohembed mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-digiohembed_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-digiohembed mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"lightbox-inline-form-d6b1ce8f-ffcf-49f7-9130-c9a0962426b2\" class=\"mntl-sc-block-digiohembed__container digioh-inline-unit digioh-inline-unit--sc\" data-guid=\"lightbox-inline-form-d6b1ce8f-ffcf-49f7-9130-c9a0962426b2\" data-title=\"\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-spotlight--mid-circ_1-0\" class=\"comp health-sc-block-spotlight--mid-circ mntl-sc-block-spotlight--mid-circ mntl-block theme-mid-circ theme-mid-circ\" data-use-proximity=\"true\">\n<h2 id=\"midcirc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp midcirc__heading mntl-text-block\">Related Stories<\/h2>\n<div id=\"midcirc__card-list_1-0\" class=\"comp midcirc__card-list mntl-block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/saturated-fats-and-heart-disease-11892916\" rel=\"nocaes\" data-card-index=\"0\" data-click-tracked=\"false\" id=\"midcirc-card_1-0\" class=\"midcirc-card mntl-midcirc-card mntl-text-link \" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"midcirc-card__title_1-0\" class=\"comp midcirc-card__title mntl-text-block\">What Saturated Fats Really Do to Your Heart <\/div>\n<div id=\"midcirc-card__image-wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp midcirc-card__image-wrapper mntl-block\">\n<div class=\"midcirc-card__image mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\" style=\"padding-bottom:66.6%;\">\n<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/QFQW8RLzlZjz0u6Uw2kqnu6oMUc=\/300x200\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/VWH-GettyImages-1418508207-c0f89b91bcb649fbbcca96493382001b.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Raw steak with rosemary garlic mustard and salt on a dark surface\" class=\" universal-image__image lazyloadwait\"><br \/>\n<noscript><br \/>\n<img\nsrc=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/QFQW8RLzlZjz0u6Uw2kqnu6oMUc=\/300x200\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/VWH-GettyImages-1418508207-c0f89b91bcb649fbbcca96493382001b.jpg\"\nwidth=\"300\"\nheight=\"200\"\nclass=\"img--noscript universal-image__image\"\nalt=\"Raw steak with rosemary garlic mustard and salt on a dark surface\"\n\/><br \/>\n<\/noscript>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/natural-ways-to-lower-cholesterol-11788030\" rel=\"nocaes\" data-card-index=\"1\" data-click-tracked=\"false\" id=\"midcirc-card_2-0\" class=\"midcirc-card mntl-midcirc-card mntl-text-link \" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"midcirc-card__title_2-0\" class=\"comp midcirc-card__title mntl-text-block\">10 Natural Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol Without Medication<\/div>\n<div id=\"midcirc-card__image-wrapper_2-0\" class=\"comp midcirc-card__image-wrapper mntl-block\">\n<div class=\"midcirc-card__image mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\" style=\"padding-bottom:66.6%;\">\n<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/R9kFRDqyqH-Kq4o69PAaYFaVkCI=\/300x200\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/VWH-GettyImages-1403626180-d009c8ca8cac41c9ae9c22cb4a797b1b.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" alt=\"A person running or walking briskly for exercise\" class=\" universal-image__image lazyloadwait\"><br \/>\n<noscript><br \/>\n<img\nsrc=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/R9kFRDqyqH-Kq4o69PAaYFaVkCI=\/300x200\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/VWH-GettyImages-1403626180-d009c8ca8cac41c9ae9c22cb4a797b1b.jpg\"\nwidth=\"300\"\nheight=\"200\"\nclass=\"img--noscript universal-image__image\"\nalt=\"A person running or walking briskly for exercise\"\n\/><br \/>\n<\/noscript>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-3-tests-that-can-better-predict-heart-disease-risk\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 3 Tests That Can Better Predict Heart Disease Risk <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> The three recommended tests, which measure apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein (a), and coronary artery calcium, can offer \u201cindependent and important information about a patient\u2019s risk,\u201d Orringer said. They can help clinicians provide better and more targeted treatment.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-subheading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> 1. ApoB: It Might Be More Accurate than LDL <\/span> <\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/apolipoprotein-b-apob-heart-disease-predictor-7104653\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apolipoprotein B (apoB)<\/a> is a protein attached to&nbsp;LDL that can cause plaque to build up in the arteries. ApoB does not attach to HDL, and each harmful LDL cholesterol particle can only have one apoB molecule. Measuring apoB gives healthcare providers a more precise count of the number of cholesterol particles that can lead to <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/causes-of-plaque-in-arteries-5092306\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">plaque buildup<\/a>.<span data-cite=\"6\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/cost-effectiveness-of-apob-vs-standard-ldl-testing-12014690\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">apoB test<\/a> may offer a more accurate measure of cardiovascular risk for certain people, including those with type 2 diabetes or <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/ckm-syndrome-nutrition-8651255\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cIf the clinician wants to know if the patient is being treated in the most complete manner to reduce their atherogenic particle-related risk, apoB is the best test to order,\u201d Orringer said.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-subheading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> 2. Lp(a): A Common Genetic Risk Factor for Heart Disease <\/span> <\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a type of LDL particle that is more likely to contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries than other forms of LDL.<span data-cite=\"7\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span> High Lp(a) levels affect one in five people in the world and are linked to a higher risk of heart disease.<span data-cite=\"8\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Lp(a) levels are largely determined by genetics. That means you can have high Lp(a) even if you follow a heart-healthy lifestyle.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cWe now know that 20% of the population has high levels of Lp(a), placing them at increased risk for both <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/atherosclerosis-vs-arteriosclerosis-8743032\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease<\/a> and <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/aortic-stenosis-7965999\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">aortic valve stenosis<\/a>,\u201d Orringer said.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> The new guidelines recommend having Lp(a) tested at least once, since lifestyle changes don\u2019t lower Lp(a) levels.<span data-cite=\"8\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_39-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-subheading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> 3. CAC Scan: A Test That Can Estimate Future Risk <\/span> <\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> The guidelines now recommend a <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/statins-and-your-calcium-scores-1746355\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan<\/a> for certain people who have unclear heart disease. The test may be particularly helpful for men over 40 and women over 45 who have an intermediate risk of having a heart attack or stroke within the next decade.<span data-cite=\"1\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_43-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_44-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/coronary-artery-calcium-scans-worth-it-12005879\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">CAC scan<\/a> uses a specialized CT scan to detect calcium deposits in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The results can reveal early plaque buildup and help estimate a person\u2019s risk of future heart problems.<span data-cite=\"9\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_45-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cCAC has been shown to be highly predictive of future cardiovascular disease events, and there is increasing evidence that those with severely elevated levels have a risk as high as that of very high-risk individuals with established cardiovascular&nbsp;disease,\u201d Orringer said.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_47-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_48-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Healthcare providers can use CAC scores to help determine whether a patient may benefit from <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/low-dose-statins-definition-examples-uses-8400457\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">starting a statin medication<\/a> or taking other steps to lower their cardiovascular risk.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_49-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-are-these-tests-covered-by-insurance\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_50-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Are These Tests Covered by Insurance? <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_51-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Your healthcare provider may recommend one of the new screening tests during your next annual physical, but you can also ask if these tests are right for you.<span data-cite=\"12\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_52-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_53-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Insurance does not always cover these tests. While Lp(a) is sometimes covered, the apoB test is usually no more than $100, and the CAC test can cost between $50 and $250 out-of-pocket.<span data-cite=\"1\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span><span data-cite=\"10\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span><br \/><span data-cite=\"11\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_54-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_55-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Depending on your family history, age, and health status, you may benefit from one or all of these tests.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_56-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_57-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cEach of the above tests contributes different and additive information regarding risk,\u201d Orringer said.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-article_1-0\" class=\"comp post-article mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read More:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block text-utility-200\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770\" rel=\"nocaes\" class=\"mntl-text-link mntl-breadcrumbs__link\" id=\"mntl-text-link_5-0\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Health A-Z<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block text-utility-200\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/heart-health-4158438\" rel=\"nocaes\" class=\"mntl-text-link mntl-breadcrumbs__link\" id=\"mntl-text-link_6-0\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Heart Health<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"sources_1-0\" class=\"comp sources mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources mntl-expandable-block\" data-scroll-offset=\"70\">\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__wrapper mntl-block\" data-click-tracked=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><span id=\"mntl-article-sources__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__heading mntl-text-block\">13 Sources<\/span><br \/>\n<svg class=\"icon show-icon \">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#show-icon\" href=\"#show-icon\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<svg class=\"icon hide-icon \">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#hide-icon\" href=\"#hide-icon\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"source-guidelines_1-0\" class=\"comp source-guidelines mntl-text-block\">Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our <a href=\"\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042\">editorial process<\/a> to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__citation-sources mntl-citation-sources mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ol class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-1\">\n<p>Writing Committee Members, Blumenthal RS, Morris PB, et al. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1161\/CIR.0000000000001423\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2026 ACC\/AHA\/AACVPR\/ABC\/ACPM\/ADA\/AGS\/APhA\/ASPC\/NLA\/PCNA guideline on the management of dyslipidemia: a report of the American College of Cardiology\/American Heart Association joint committee on clinical practice guidelines<\/a>.&nbsp;<em>Circulation<\/em>. 2026:CIR.0000000000001423. doi:10.1161\/CIR.0000000000001423<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-13\">\n<p>Gao Y, Shah LM, Ding J, Martin SS. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1161\/jaha.122.028205\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">US trends in cholesterol screening, lipid levels, and lipid-lowering medication use in US adults, 1999 to 2018<\/a>. <em>J Am Heart Assoc<\/em>. 2023;12(3):e028205. doi:10.1161\/JAHA.122.028205<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-2\">\n<p>MedlinePlus. <a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/lab-tests\/cholesterol-levels\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cholesterol levels<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-3\">\n<p>National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/blood-cholesterol\/diagnosis\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Blood cholesterol &#8211; diagnosis<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-4\">\n<p>American Heart Association. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/health-topics\/cholesterol\/hdl-good-ldl-bad-cholesterol-and-triglycerides\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HDL (good), LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-5\">\n<p>National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/blood-cholesterol\/treatment\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Blood cholesterol &#8211; treatment<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-6\">\n<p>De Oliveira-Gomes D, Joshi PH, Peterson ED, Rohatgi A, Khera A, Navar AM. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1161\/CIRCULATIONAHA.124.068885\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apolipoprotein B: bridging the gap between evidence and clinical practice<\/a>.&nbsp;<em>Circulation<\/em>. 2024;150(1):62-79. doi:10.1161\/CIRCULATIONAHA.124.068885<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-7\">\n<p>MedlinePlus. <a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/lab-tests\/lipoprotein-a-blood-test\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lipoprotein (a) blood test<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-8\">\n<p>American Heart Association. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/-\/media\/Files\/Health-Topics\/Cholesterol\/What-is-Lpa.pdf?sc_lang=en\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lipoprotein(a)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-9\">\n<p>American Heart Association. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/health-topics\/heart-attack\/diagnosing-a-heart-attack\/cac-test\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Coronary artery calcium test<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-12\">\n<p>American Heart Association. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/health-topics\/cholesterol\/about-cholesterol\/cholesterol-top-10\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Top 10 things to know about the ACC\/AHA cholesterol guideline<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-10\">\n<p>American Heart Association. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/-\/media\/Files\/Health-Topics\/Cholesterol\/Lpa-Test.pdf?sc_lang=en\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Understanding the Lp(a) test<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-11\">\n<p>Cleveland Clinic. <a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diagnostics\/24992-apolipoprotein-b-test\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apo B test<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"author-bio_1-0\" class=\"comp author-bio\">\n<div class=\"loc author-bio__image\">\n<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/hEZrL73FFGkN98J34JAaeHp5A2Q=\/144x144\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/StephanieBrownnewheadshot-e5ca9ba2a404491384e9300a7871f190.jpg\" width=\"144\" height=\"144\" alt=\"Stephanie Brown\" class=\" author-bio__image mntl-image universal-image__image lazyloadwait\" data-expand=\"300\"><br \/>\n<noscript><br \/>\n<img\nsrc=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/hEZrL73FFGkN98J34JAaeHp5A2Q=\/144x144\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/StephanieBrownnewheadshot-e5ca9ba2a404491384e9300a7871f190.jpg\"\nwidth=\"144\"\nheight=\"144\"\nclass=\"img--noscript author-bio__image mntl-image universal-image__image\"\nalt=\"Stephanie Brown\"\n\/><br \/>\n<\/noscript>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"author-bio__bio-text\">\n<span class=\"author-bio__bio-title\">By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/stephanie-brown-5197949\">Stephanie Brown<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n<br \/>\nBrown is a nutrition writer who received her Didactic Program in Dietetics certification from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Previously, she worked as a nutrition educator and culinary instructor in New York City.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon trust-ribbon-expandable-block\">\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"loc static-content\">\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon__editorial_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon__editorial trust-ribbon-item mntl-block\"><svg class=\"icon trust-ribbon-item__icon-editorial \">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#trust-ribbon-item__icon-editorial\" href=\"#trust-ribbon-item__icon-editorial\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042\" rel=\"nocaes\" class=\"trust-ribbon-item__text mntl-text-link \" id=\"trust-ribbon-item__text_1-0\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">See Our Editorial Process<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon__review_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon__review trust-ribbon-item mntl-block\"><svg class=\"icon reviewer-icon trust-ribbon-item__icon-review\">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#reviewer-icon\" href=\"#reviewer-icon\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003\" rel=\"nocaes\" class=\"trust-ribbon-item__text mntl-text-link \" id=\"trust-ribbon-item__text_2-0\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Meet Our Medical Expert Board<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon__feedback_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon__feedback trust-ribbon-item mntl-block\"><svg class=\"icon trust-ribbon-item__icon-feedback \">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#trust-ribbon-item__icon-feedback\" href=\"#trust-ribbon-item__icon-feedback\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<button id=\"trust-ribbon-item__text_3-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon-item__text mntl-text-block\">Share Feedback<\/button><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon__feedback-block_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon__feedback-block article-feedback mntl-article-feedback\">\n<div class=\"article-feedback__rating-section js-rating-section is-hidden\">\n<div class=\"article-feedback__heading\">Was this page helpful?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-feedback__success-section js-success-section is-hidden\">\n<div class=\"article-feedback__heading\">Thanks for your feedback!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-feedback__feedback-section js-feedback-section\">\n<div class=\"article-feedback__heading\">What is your feedback?<\/div>\n<p><button id=\"helpful-button_1-0\" class=\"comp helpful-button mntl-button article-feedback__feedback-button\"> Helpful<br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<button id=\"report-error-button_1-0\" class=\"comp report-error-button mntl-button article-feedback__feedback-button\"> Report an Error<br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<button id=\"other-button_1-0\" class=\"comp other-button mntl-button article-feedback__feedback-button\"> Other<br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<svg class=\"icon icon-x close-button\">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#icon-x\" href=\"#icon-x\"><\/use>\n<\/svg> <\/p>\n<form action=\"\/ugc-feedback\" method=\"post\" class=\"article-feedback__feedback-form js-feedback-form\">\n<textarea class=\"article-feedback__feedback-text js-feedback-text\" placeholder=\"Tell us more...\" required=\"required\" maxlength=\"1500\"><\/textarea><br \/>\n<button id=\"article-feedback__submit-button_1-0\" class=\"comp article-feedback__submit-button mntl-button\"> Submit<br \/>\n<\/button> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"doc-id\" value=\"11925604\" class=\"js-doc-id\"><br \/>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Close Key Takeaways The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology released updated cholesterol guidelines that expand how cardiovascular risk is assessed. The new guidance recommends three additional tests\u2014apoB, lipoprotein(a), and coronary artery calcium. These tests can help identify&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-chua-phan-loai"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=29"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=29"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=29"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=29"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}