Heart disease risk is best understood by evaluating multiple cardiovascular markers and observing how they interact and change over time. For individuals seeking a more preventative approach to cardiovascular health—particularly those with a family history of heart disease or metabolic risk factors—Dr. Passero recommends the Durable CARDIO PREMIUM panel.*

This expanded panel builds on the Durable CARDIO ESSENTIAL panel by going beyond foundational cholesterol markers—total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides—to include advanced measures of LDL particle number and inflammation, including ApoB and hs-CRP, for a more detailed assessment of cardiovascular risk.*

ApoB measures the number of LDL-containing particles circulating in the bloodstream. Standard LDL testing reflects the overall weight of LDL particles, but it does not directly measure how many particles are present. Since cardiovascular risk is more closely tied to particle number, ApoB is considered one of the most accurate markers of cholesterol-related risk. The panel also includes hs-CRP, a highly sensitive marker that provides insight into inflammation associated with increased cardiovascular risk.*

Dr. Passero recommends the Durable CARDIO PREMIUM panel for anyone seeking to:*

• Go beyond standard cholesterol testing to assess LDL particle number for more accurate risk assessment.
• Evaluate inflammation as a contributor to cardiovascular risk
• Monitor how diet, lifestyle or supplementation are influencing cardiovascular risk
• Gain additional insight when traditional lipid results appear normal

For most adults, Dr. Passero recommends checking this panel every 3–6 months.*

The Durable CARDIO PREMIUM panel offers important insight for those seeking a more detailed understanding of cardiovascular risk. For even more advanced testing—including markers of arterial inflammation and vascular stress—we also offer the Durable CARDIO ULTIMATE panel.*

What’s Included in the Durable CARDIO PREMIUM Panel
This panel tests for the following key markers that influence cardiovascular risk:*

• Total Cholesterol—Total cholesterol reflects the combined amount of cholesterol circulating in your blood, including LDL, HDL and other lipid particles. This marker provides useful context when interpreted alongside the individual components of the panel.


• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)—LDL is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, and for good reason. LDL particles transport cholesterol through the bloodstream and can deposit it into artery walls. This process can trigger inflammation, promote plaque formation, and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and cognitive decline. Elevated LDL is one of the strongest predictors of long-term cardiovascular risk.


• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)—HDL is considered protective because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and artery walls and transports it back to the liver for clearance. Adequate HDL levels support this cleanup process and help counterbalance cardiovascular risk. However, extremely high HDL levels (generally above 90) are not necessarily protective and do not offset the risks associated with elevated LDL level.


• Triglycerides—Triglycerides are a form of fat used by the body for energy storage. Their levels are closely tied to blood sugar regulation, insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health. Elevated triglycerides often signal underlying metabolic stress, such as insulin resistance or poor glucose control, and are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, particularly when combined with high LDL or low HDL.


• ApoB (Apolipoprotein B)—ApoB is a protein found on the surface of LDL particles, with one ApoB molecule per particle. Measuring ApoB provides a precise way to determine the number of LDL particles circulating in the blood. Because each LDL particle has the potential to contribute to plaque formation, ApoB offers a clearer picture of cardiovascular risk than LDL cholesterol alone and is widely recognized as one of the strongest predictors of heart attack risk.


• hs-CRP (High-sensitivity C-reactive protein)—C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker produced by the liver in response to injury, infection or other physiological stress. Elevated hs-CRP levels are associated with inflammation in the blood vessels and increased cardiovascular risk. Because hs-CRP can detect lower levels of inflammation than standard CRP testing, it provides more sensitive insight into inflammation that may contribute to plaque formation and heart disease.

What to Expect After Ordering Your Lab Test
After purchasing a lab test from Durable, you’ll receive an order confirmation right away. Your lab order will be emailed separately within two business days. All lab-related communications—including your lab order, instructions and results notifications—are sent via encrypted, HIPAA-compliant email from labs@livedurable.com. To ensure timely delivery, we recommend adding this address to your contacts and checking your spam or promotions folder.

Lab Locations
We've partnered with LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics for convenient blood draw locations nationwide. Once your lab order is emailed to you, it will designate the most convenient location based on your address. You should contact the lab directly to schedule an appointment, and we recommend having your blood draw performed within 2-4 weeks. If you have any concerns about the selected location, please email labs@livedurable.com to explore alternative options.

Timing of Results
Once your blood draw is complete, most results are available within one week. You’ll receive an email notification from labs@livedurable.com when your results are ready to review.

How to Interpret Results
All test results include a lab-generated reference range reflecting values commonly seen in a healthy population. Results are flagged only when they fall outside this range as high or low. While these reference ranges provide helpful context, results are best interpreted alongside your health history, symptoms and trends over time and should be reviewed with your healthcare practitioner.

If you are interested in a virtual lab review with Dr. Passero, you may email his office at GetHealthy@DrKevinPassero.com to schedule an appointment.

What does the Durable CARDIO PREMIUM panel test for?
Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, ApoB and hs-CRP.*

Why consider upgrading to the Durable CARDIO ULTIMATE panel?
The Durable CARDIO PREMIUM panel evaluates LDL, HDL and triglycerides alongside ApoB and hs-CRP to assess LDL particle number and systemic inflammation. The Durable CARDIO ULTIMATE panel builds on this by adding homocysteine and Lp-PLA2, offering more artery-specific insight into vascular inflammation and dysfunction that may further influence long-term cardiovascular risk.*

Do I need to fast or follow any special instructions prior to this test?
Yes. The Durable CARDIO PREMIUM panel requires 10-12 hours of fasting prior to testing. Water is allowed during the fasting period, but other beverages should be avoided for the most accurate results.*

Can I take medications beforehand?
Yes. Most medications do not interfere with lipid testing, and results are often meant to reflect how your cholesterol levels look while on your current regimen. Do not stop medications unless directed by your healthcare practitioner.*

Will recent diet or alcohol intake affect my results?
Yes. Recent dietary choices, alcohol intake and even significant weight loss can temporarily affect lipid levels, particularly triglycerides. High-fat or high-sugar meals can cause triglycerides to appear elevated. Following fasting instructions and testing under typical conditions helps ensure more accurate results.*

How often should I get this test?
Dr. Passero recommends routine monitoring of these markers, with testing every 3-6 months for most adults. Re-testing at the recommended interval allows you and your healthcare practitioner to monitor trends over time, assess how your body is responding to lifestyle or nutritional changes and make informed adjustments. Testing frequency should be individualized based on risk factors, clinical context and your doctor’s recommendations.*

Does insurance cover the cost of my tests?
Lab tests must be paid for in full at checkout using a credit card, a supported payment platform (such as Shop Pay, PayPal, Google Pay or Venmo), or an eligible FSA/HSA debit card. In some cases, health insurance providers may reimburse individuals for lab testing. You can contact your insurance provider directly to determine whether reimbursement is available. Please note that Durable is unable to provide insurance paperwork or assist with claim submission.

Can I get a refund if I choose not to get my lab work?
Yes. You may request a refund within 365 days of purchase, as long as you have not visited the lab and had your blood drawn.

Can I use a coupon when purchasing my lab test?
At this time, promotions and coupons cannot be applied to lab testing. Lab pricing reflects the cost of clinical testing and processing, and discounts are not available for these services. However, you can redeem Durable REWARDS points at checkout, and when you purchase a lab order, you’ll earn additional points.

Is this blood test for adults only?
Durable lab testing is intended for adults 18 years and older. Testing for individuals under 18 is only recommended when directed by a qualified healthcare provider.*