Cholesterol Balance

The exclusive Boston Heart Cholesterol Balance® test directly measures the major cholesterol production and absorption markers associated with circulating total cholesterol (TC) by measuring lathosterol, desmosterol, beta-sitosterol, campesterol and cholestanol.

Most (80%) of in vivo cholesterol production goes through a major production pathway, measured by the precursor lathosterol, while the remaining (20%) goes through desmosterol. Additionally, greater than 90% of beta-sitosterol and campesterol (plant sterols) are absorbed into intestinal cells making them excellent markers of cholesterol absorption. These markers of cholesterol production and absorption can be directly measured in plasma or serum and have been shown to be predictors of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering response to statins and ezetimibe. A third absorption marker, cholestanol, is also measured and serves as a marker of the conversion of cholesterol to the bile acid chenodoxycholate.

Cholesterol production and absorption marker values are always reported out in relative terms as µmol x 100/mmol of TC. If values are very high, absolute concentrations in mg/L are also reported. A visual representation of the Cholesterol Balance Score (the ratio of cholesterol production to cholesterol absorption) facilitates assessment of the patient’s cholesterol balance status.

Compared to standard lipid testing and advanced lipid testing by other laboratories, the Cholesterol Balance test provides a more complete characterization of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and helps better guide treatment options to most effectively manage patients to their LDL-C goals.

Freeze the provided ice packs for 24 hours before your blood draw.

Fast for 8-12 hours before your blood draw. You may drink only water, black coffee, or tea without dairy or sugar.

Hydrate before your blood draw.