The Cardio IQ Lipid Panel is an advanced lipid assessment offered by Quest Diagnostics that extends beyond the standard lipid panel to include lipoprotein particle number and size analysis, typically measured by ion mobility or NMR technology. It provides detailed quantification of LDL particle number (LDL-P), HDL particle number (HDL-P), small dense LDL particles, and lipoprotein subfractions, offering a more granular cardiovascular risk profile. This panel is particularly valuable in patients with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or discordance between LDL cholesterol and LDL particle number. Lipoproteins are macromolecular complexes that transport hydrophobic lipids through the aqueous bloodstream, with their atherogenic potential determined not only by cholesterol content but also by particle number, size, and density. Small, dense LDL particles are more susceptible to oxidative modification and arterial wall penetration, contributing disproportionately to atherosclerotic plaque formation compared to larger, buoyant LDL particles. HDL particle number and functionality reflect reverse cholesterol transport capacity, while remnant lipoproteins and VLDL subfractions contribute independently to residual cardiovascular risk.
The Cardio IQ Lipid Panel is an advanced blood test that goes beyond a standard cholesterol test by measuring the number and size of cholesterol-carrying particles in your blood. Research shows that the number of LDL ('bad cholesterol') particles may be a better predictor of heart disease risk than the amount of cholesterol they carry. This test helps your doctor get a more complete picture of your heart health, especially if you have diabetes, prediabetes, or a family history of heart disease. It can reveal hidden risk even when your standard cholesterol numbers look normal. Your doctor will use these results along with your overall health history to guide any needed lifestyle changes or treatments.
When elevated: Elevated LDL particle number, increased small dense LDL, high VLDL particles, or elevated remnant cholesterol fractions indicate heightened atherogenic burden and increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), even when standard LDL cholesterol appears controlled. When low: Low LDL particle number and favorable lipoprotein subfraction distribution (large buoyant LDL, high HDL particle number) are associated with reduced atherogenic risk; however, very low HDL particle number may indicate impaired reverse cholesterol transport and residual cardiovascular risk.
Cardio IQ is relevant to endurance and strength athletes concerned with long-term cardiovascular health despite high training volumes, which can paradoxically increase oxidative stress and lipid oxidation. Advanced lipoprotein analysis helps identify whether favorable total cholesterol or LDL levels mask unfavorable particle patterns—small, dense LDL or low HDL particle count—that persist even with intensive training and may require dietary or supplemental intervention to optimize atherosclerotic risk.
Turnaround Time
9 days (up to 13 days)
Fasting Required
No
Order online
Choose your lab and check out. We send your lab requisition automatically — no doctor visit needed.
Get your sample collected
Visit a lab service center near you for a quick blood draw (or book at-home phlebotomy where available).
See your results
Your results land in your Insider portal, ready to review and act on — that easy.
Your price
$12.90$60
4.7× less than retail
Versus the typical direct-to-consumer retail price for this test (illustrative — consumer prices vary by provider and region).
$12.90
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