What are Atherosclerosis biomarkers

Atherosclerosis biomarkers are blood signals that reveal how actively plaque is forming and how risky it may be, often years before symptoms. They illuminate three core processes. First, the traffic of cholesterol‑laden particles that enter artery walls (apoB‑containing lipoproteins such as LDL and remnant particles), including a particularly sticky, inherited form (lipoprotein(a), Lp(a)). Second, the vessel wall’s inflammatory state, which drives plaque growth and fragility (high‑sensitivity C‑reactive protein, hs‑CRP, and other inflammatory mediators). Third, the readiness of blood to clot if a plaque ruptures (prothrombotic factors like fibrinogen and platelet activation markers). Together, these markers offer a dynamic picture of arterial injury, repair, and risk—not just a snapshot of cholesterol. Testing helps identify people whose plaques are likely to progress or rupture, guides the intensity and type of treatment, and tracks whether therapies are calming inflammation and reducing atherogenic particle burden. In short, atherosclerosis biomarkers translate invisible artery biology into actionable information.

Why is blood testing for Atherosclerosis important?

• See your real plaque risk using LDL, ApoB, Lp(a), hs-CRP, and lipid ratios.
• Spot cholesterol particle overload with ApoB, a stronger predictor than LDL alone.
• Flag inherited lifetime risk with Lp(a), supporting family screening and pregnancy planning.
• Clarify silent arterial inflammation with hs-CRP to refine overall cardiovascular risk.
• Guide treatment intensity by combining LDL and ApoB to prioritize LDL-lowering therapies.
• Explain triglyceride-HDL balance using AIP and AC to highlight remnant-driven risk.
• Track progress over time; ApoB and hs-CRP fall with effective lifestyle and medication.
• Best interpreted with blood pressure, diabetes labs, smoking status, and family history.

What insights will I get?

Atherosclerosis blood testing provides a window into the health of your arteries and the systems they support, including your heart, brain, and metabolic function. When arteries become narrowed or stiffened by plaque, it can disrupt blood flow and impact everything from energy delivery to cognitive performance and immune resilience. At Superpower, we assess your risk and vascular health by measuring LDL cholesterol, ApoB, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), and the Atherogenic Coefficient (AC).

LDL cholesterol, often called “bad cholesterol,” is a key carrier of cholesterol in the blood and a major contributor to plaque buildup. ApoB is a protein found on all atherogenic lipoproteins, providing a direct count of particles that can enter artery walls. Lp(a) is a genetic variant of LDL that is particularly prone to promoting plaque and clot formation. hs-CRP is a marker of low-grade inflammation, signaling immune activity that can destabilize plaques. AIP and AC are calculated ratios that reflect the balance between protective and harmful lipids, offering a broader view of your lipid-related risk.

Healthy levels of these markers suggest stable arteries and efficient blood flow, supporting optimal function across body systems. Elevated or imbalanced results may indicate increased risk for atherosclerosis, even before symptoms appear, highlighting the importance of early detection.

Interpretation of these biomarkers can be influenced by factors such as age, sex, pregnancy, acute illness, certain medications, and laboratory methods. These variables should be considered when evaluating your results.