Boston Heart Cholesterol Balance Test
Performed by: Boston Heart Diagnostics
The Boston Heart Cholesterol Balance® test directly measures key cholesterol production and absorption markers associated with circulating total cholesterol (TC) by analyzing lathosterol, desmosterol, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and cholestanol.
In vivo, approximately 80% of cholesterol production occurs through a major pathway measured by the precursor lathosterol, while the remaining 20% is measured via desmosterol. Additionally, over 90% of beta-sitosterol and campesterol (plant sterols) are absorbed into intestinal cells, making them excellent indicators of cholesterol absorption. These markers of cholesterol production and absorption can be directly measured in plasma or serum and are predictive of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) response to statins and ezetimibe. A third absorption marker, cholestanol, is also measured, indicating the conversion of cholesterol to the bile acid chenodoxycholate.
Cholesterol production and absorption marker values are reported in relative terms as µmol x 100/mmol of TC, with very high values also reported in absolute concentrations (mg/L). A visual representation of the Cholesterol Balance Score (the ratio of cholesterol production to cholesterol absorption) facilitates the assessment of the patient’s cholesterol balance status.
Compared to standard and advanced lipid testing by other laboratories, the Cholesterol Balance test offers a more comprehensive characterization of cardiovascular disease (CVD), aiding in the selection of the most effective treatment options to achieve LDL-C goals.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
Absorption markers on the Boston Heart Cholesterol Balance® test provide crucial insights into how effectively cholesterol is being absorbed in the body. These markers include beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and cholestanol, which are key indicator
Learn moreCampesterol is a critical marker on the Boston Heart Cholesterol Balance® test, providing valuable insights into cholesterol absorption. As a plant sterol, campesterol is absorbed into intestinal cells and serves as an excellent indicator of how
Learn moreThe Cholesterol Balance Score, a key marker on the Boston Heart Cholesterol Balance® test, provides a comprehensive assessment of an individual's cholesterol metabolism by evaluating the ratio of cholesterol production to absorption. This sco
Learn moreDesmosterol is a critical marker on the Boston Heart Cholesterol Balance® test, playing a vital role in assessing cholesterol synthesis within the body. As one of the primary precursors in cholesterol production, desmosterol represents the altern
Learn moreLathosterol is a crucial marker measured in the Boston Heart Cholesterol Balance® test, providing valuable insights into cholesterol production within the body. As a precursor in the biosynthesis of cholesterol, lathosterol levels directly reflec
Learn moreThe "Production Markers" on the Boston Heart Cholesterol Balance® test provide crucial insights into the body's cholesterol synthesis. This test measures key precursors such as lathosterol and desmosterol, which are indicative of th
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