Cardiovascular Health
Think Your'e Too Young to Worry About Heart Health? Think Again
Jan 15, 2025
Dr. Adam Hotchkiss
When we think of heart disease, many picture an older individual suffering from chest pain or a heart attack. However, the reality is that atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)—the leading global killer—starts much earlier than most realize. Studies and autopsies reveal that plaques, the building blocks of heart disease, often begin forming in the arteries during childhood.
This early onset of disease underscores a critical truth: you’re never too young to prioritize your heart health.
In this post, we’ll explore why early prevention is essential, the role of advanced lab testing in identifying risk factors, and how thought leaders like Dr. Peter Attia and Dr. Andrew Huberman are bringing awareness to ASCVD prevention.
Heart Disease Begins Early: The Facts
ASCVD is not a disease of the elderly. Research has consistently shown that:
Plaques start forming in arteries during childhood and adolescence, even in individuals with no symptoms.
Lifestyle factors like poor diet, sedentary behavior, and smoking exacerbate this process.
Genetic factors such as Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) and Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] significantly increase the risk.
Dr. Peter Attia, a prominent advocate for proactive healthcare, emphasizes that cardiovascular disease is a slowly progressing disease. By the time symptoms appear, the damage is often severe and irreversible. This is why early detection and prevention are critical.
Key Labs for Early Detection of Heart Disease
Traditional healthcare systems often wait until symptoms arise to act, but you don’t have to. By testing specific biomarkers, you can assess your heart health decades before any noticeable issues. Here are the most important labs to consider:
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
Measures the number of LDL particles ("bad cholesterol") responsible for plaque buildup.
High ApoB levels indicate an increased risk for ASCVD.
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]
A genetic risk factor for heart disease. Elevated levels can lead to early plaque formation and inflammation.
GlycA
An advanced inflammatory marker associated with cardiovascular disease. It reflects chronic, low-grade inflammation.
Insulin
High fasting insulin levels are an early warning sign of insulin resistance, which contributes to metabolic dysfunction and ASCVD.
ADMA/SDMA
These markers assess nitric oxide metabolism and endothelial function, crucial for vascular health.
Homocysteine
Elevated homocysteine levels can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of blood clots.
Myeloperoxidase (MPO)
Indicates oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which accelerate plaque buildup.
Lp-PLA2 Activity
A marker for vascular-specific inflammation, providing insights into your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Dr. Andrew Huberman has highlighted the importance of understanding biomarkers like these, emphasizing that knowledge empowers you to make informed choices about your health.
The Role of Genetics in Heart Disease
Genetics can play a significant role in heart health. Conditions like Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH), which affects 1 in 250 people, cause dangerously high LDL cholesterol levels from birth. Similarly, Lp(a) levels are genetically determined and often overlooked in routine testing.
While you can’t change your genes, knowing your genetic risk allows you to take proactive steps through lifestyle modifications and, when appropriate, medications like statins or PCSK9 inhibitors.
Why Traditional Healthcare Falls Short
Most doctors and insurance providers focus on treating symptoms rather than preventing disease. Routine checkups often miss critical markers like ApoB, Lp(a), and GlycA, leaving many individuals unaware of their risk until it’s too late.
This is why direct-to-consumer lab testing has become a game-changer. Platforms like algorx provide affordable, comprehensive testing that empowers individuals to assess their heart health without needing insurance or referrals.
What You Can Do Today to Protect Your Heart
Start with Comprehensive Lab Testing
Identify your risk factors early by testing advanced markers like ApoB, Lp(a), GlycA, and more.Adopt a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
Nutrition: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods while minimizing processed items.
Exercise: Incorporate both aerobic and resistance training to support vascular health.
Stress Management: Chronic stress can elevate inflammatory markers, contributing to ASCVD.
Stay Informed
Follow thought leaders like Dr. Peter Attia, Dr. Tom Dayspring and Dr. Andrew Huberman, who share actionable insights on preventing cardiovascular disease through science-backed strategies.
Take Control of Your Heart Health Today
Heart disease doesn’t wait, and neither should you. By understanding your risk and taking action early, you can prevent the leading cause of death worldwide.
At algorx, we make it easy to access advanced lab testing for markers like ApoB, Lp(a), and GlycA. Our affordable, direct-to-consumer model ensures you can take control of your heart health—without waiting for insurance approval or a doctor’s referral.
👉 Visit our diagnostics page today to learn more and take the first step toward a healthier heart.
Your future self will thank you.
When we think of heart disease, many picture an older individual suffering from chest pain or a heart attack. However, the reality is that atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)—the leading global killer—starts much earlier than most realize. Studies and autopsies reveal that plaques, the building blocks of heart disease, often begin forming in the arteries during childhood.
This early onset of disease underscores a critical truth: you’re never too young to prioritize your heart health.
In this post, we’ll explore why early prevention is essential, the role of advanced lab testing in identifying risk factors, and how thought leaders like Dr. Peter Attia and Dr. Andrew Huberman are bringing awareness to ASCVD prevention.
Heart Disease Begins Early: The Facts
ASCVD is not a disease of the elderly. Research has consistently shown that:
Plaques start forming in arteries during childhood and adolescence, even in individuals with no symptoms.
Lifestyle factors like poor diet, sedentary behavior, and smoking exacerbate this process.
Genetic factors such as Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) and Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] significantly increase the risk.
Dr. Peter Attia, a prominent advocate for proactive healthcare, emphasizes that cardiovascular disease is a slowly progressing disease. By the time symptoms appear, the damage is often severe and irreversible. This is why early detection and prevention are critical.
Key Labs for Early Detection of Heart Disease
Traditional healthcare systems often wait until symptoms arise to act, but you don’t have to. By testing specific biomarkers, you can assess your heart health decades before any noticeable issues. Here are the most important labs to consider:
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
Measures the number of LDL particles ("bad cholesterol") responsible for plaque buildup.
High ApoB levels indicate an increased risk for ASCVD.
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]
A genetic risk factor for heart disease. Elevated levels can lead to early plaque formation and inflammation.
GlycA
An advanced inflammatory marker associated with cardiovascular disease. It reflects chronic, low-grade inflammation.
Insulin
High fasting insulin levels are an early warning sign of insulin resistance, which contributes to metabolic dysfunction and ASCVD.
ADMA/SDMA
These markers assess nitric oxide metabolism and endothelial function, crucial for vascular health.
Homocysteine
Elevated homocysteine levels can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of blood clots.
Myeloperoxidase (MPO)
Indicates oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which accelerate plaque buildup.
Lp-PLA2 Activity
A marker for vascular-specific inflammation, providing insights into your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Dr. Andrew Huberman has highlighted the importance of understanding biomarkers like these, emphasizing that knowledge empowers you to make informed choices about your health.
The Role of Genetics in Heart Disease
Genetics can play a significant role in heart health. Conditions like Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH), which affects 1 in 250 people, cause dangerously high LDL cholesterol levels from birth. Similarly, Lp(a) levels are genetically determined and often overlooked in routine testing.
While you can’t change your genes, knowing your genetic risk allows you to take proactive steps through lifestyle modifications and, when appropriate, medications like statins or PCSK9 inhibitors.
Why Traditional Healthcare Falls Short
Most doctors and insurance providers focus on treating symptoms rather than preventing disease. Routine checkups often miss critical markers like ApoB, Lp(a), and GlycA, leaving many individuals unaware of their risk until it’s too late.
This is why direct-to-consumer lab testing has become a game-changer. Platforms like algorx provide affordable, comprehensive testing that empowers individuals to assess their heart health without needing insurance or referrals.
What You Can Do Today to Protect Your Heart
Start with Comprehensive Lab Testing
Identify your risk factors early by testing advanced markers like ApoB, Lp(a), GlycA, and more.Adopt a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
Nutrition: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods while minimizing processed items.
Exercise: Incorporate both aerobic and resistance training to support vascular health.
Stress Management: Chronic stress can elevate inflammatory markers, contributing to ASCVD.
Stay Informed
Follow thought leaders like Dr. Peter Attia, Dr. Tom Dayspring and Dr. Andrew Huberman, who share actionable insights on preventing cardiovascular disease through science-backed strategies.
Take Control of Your Heart Health Today
Heart disease doesn’t wait, and neither should you. By understanding your risk and taking action early, you can prevent the leading cause of death worldwide.
At algorx, we make it easy to access advanced lab testing for markers like ApoB, Lp(a), and GlycA. Our affordable, direct-to-consumer model ensures you can take control of your heart health—without waiting for insurance approval or a doctor’s referral.
👉 Visit our diagnostics page today to learn more and take the first step toward a healthier heart.
Your future self will thank you.