ZRT Cardiometabolic Profile

Description

ZRT CardioMetabolic Profile
Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome affect a large percentage of the US population. The ZRT CardioMetabolic Profile evaluates key markers of metabolic dysfunction that, if not addressed through diet and lifestyle measures, may develop into more serious disease. This test panel includes the following markers: Insulin, high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, Hemoglobin A1c, Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL and VLDL. Blood spot collections for this test should be done fasting (10-12 hours without food or beverages other than water) to get the most accurate result. The ZRT CardioMetabolic Profile is a dried blood spot test which can be done at home so there is no need for a blood draw at a laboratory.

Description of Markers Included in the ZRT CardioMetabolic Profile
Insulin can reveal not only how well we manage our blood sugar but can also alert us to the development of insulin resistance which can make weight loss difficult, may contribute to sex hormone imbalances and the development of PCOS, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) is an inflammatory marker showing that there are underlying processes occurring within the body that are leading to inflammation primarily associated with the cardiovascular system. High-sensitivity CRP is specific for cardiovascular disease.
Hemoglobin A1c (HgB A1c) provides us with a 2-3 month record of how well we have kept blood glucose levels within a healthy range. Elevated levels reveal poor blood sugar control.

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood and increases when we consume calories that are not used right away for energy. Most triglycerides reside in adipose tissue, but some remain in the blood to provide fuel for muscles. An elevated level of triglycerides increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and is associated with obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, excess alcohol consumption, diabetes and kidney disease.

Total Cholesterol measures all the cholesterol carried in the blood by the various lipoproteins HDL, LDL and VLDL that have different functions. Cholesterol is a steroid and an essential substance that forms the outer membrane of all cells in the human body. Cholesterol is also the precursor to all steroid hormones – estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol and DHEA. Cholesterol is also necessary for the formation of bile acids needed to absorb fat-soluble nutrients from food. An elevated level of cholesterol can lead to plaque deposition within the arteries contributing to cardiovascular disease. A low level of cholesterol (< 120) has been associated with depression and other mood disorders.

HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) contains the highest amount of protein and some cholesterol. It is considered the “good cholesterol” because it carries cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver where it can be broken down and eliminated. When levels of HDL are low, cholesterol levels in the blood can increase and form plaques within the arteries (atherogenesis) leading to arterial rigidity, high blood pressure (hypertension) and increased risk for heart disease and stroke.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) consists of a small amount of protein and a higher concentration of cholesterol than HDL. It is considered the “bad cholesterol” because a high level is associated with increased plaque deposition in the arteries leading to increased risk for heart disease and stroke.
VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) carries the highest concentration of triglycerides in the blood and transports it to other parts of the body. High levels of VLDL are associated with the development of plaque within the walls of the arteries (atherogenesis). This process is responsible for the narrowing of our arteries and contributing to hypertension, heart disease and the increased risk of stroke.

Indications for This Test

-General health assessment
-Overweight/Underweight
-Diabetes/Prediabetes
-Difficulty losing weight
-Cardiovascular Disease
-Hypertension
-Atherosclerosis
-Personal of family history of Heart Attack/Stroke
-Smoker
-Decreased activity/exercise
-Unhealthy diet
-Men over 45 years of age
-Women over 55 years of age

Test Requirements
This is a dried blood spot test and can be done at home. The test requires a small finger stick and the collection of several blood spots onto a card provided with the kit. The collection should be done in the morning after fasting for 10-12 hours. Only water should be consumed prior to collections. It is best to make sure hands are cleaned with warm water to remove contaminants and encourage blood flow. The blood should be allowed to dry on the card for several hours before placing back into the kit for mailing. Please carefully read all instructions that come with the kit before collecting your blood spots.

Other Tests to Consider
ZRT Adrenal Profile
ZRT Female/Male Saliva Profile III
ZRT Sleep Balance Profile

Test Requirements
This test can be done at home and requires a dried blood spot. Follow kit instructions on preserving samples and prepping the kit for shipment back to the lab. Please carefully read all instructions that come with the kit before starting your collections.

Includes:
√Lab Test
√ Doctor’s Review of Test Results
√ Doctor’s Recommended Course of Action

NOTE: This test is not available to residents of New York. Any orders or samples originating from new York will automatically be canceled. .

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider if you are taking any medication.