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Why This Lab Is Important

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Cardiovascular risk is influenced by both lifestyle factors and family history. Lp(a) is a unique subtype of LDL cholesterol with an attached protein that makes it more likely to promote plaque buildup, clot formation, arterial calcification and heart valve dysfunction. Because lipid panels do not measure Lp(a), elevated levels can go undetected—even in those with otherwise normal cholesterol results. The Durable CARDIO GENETIC test provides a direct measurement of Lp(a) to help identify individuals who may benefit from a more proactive prevention strategy.*

Dr. Passero considers Lp(a) one of the most important inherited risk factors for heart disease and uses the Durable CARDIO GENETIC test to screen for elevated levels. Approximately 1 in 4 people carry genetic variants associated with increased Lp(a), with higher levels typically observed in women and individuals of African descent, making it far more common than many realize. For this reason, he recommends that every adult be screened at least once in their lifetime—even if other cholesterol markers appear optimal. While Lp(a) levels are largely determined by genetics, overall cardiovascular risk can still be meaningfully reduced by optimizing modifiable factors such as LDL and ApoB levels, blood pressure, blood sugar control and systemic inflammation.*

Dr. Passero recommends the Durable CARDIO GENETIC test for anyone who has not already been screened to:*
  • Assess inherited cardiovascular risk
  • Identify risk not captured by standard cholesterol testing
  • Take a proactive, prevention-focused approach to heart health
Dr. Passero recommends that every adult checks this test at least once in their lifetime, and those with elevated levels or additional risk factors may benefit from periodic re-testing every 12 months.*

The Durable CARDIO GENETIC test provides important insight into inherited cardiovascular risk. For a broader assessment of cholesterol levels, inflammation and arterial health, we also offer the Durable CARDIO ESSENTIAL panel, the Durable CARDIO PREMIUM panel and the Durable CARDIO ULTIMATE panel.*

What’s Included in the Durable CARDIO GENETIC Test
This test measures the primary marker used to assess levels of Lp(a):*
  • Lp(a) [Lipoprotein(a)]—Lp(a) is a subtype of LDL cholesterol with an additional protein attached to its surface. This structural difference increases its ability to promote plaque buildup, inflammation and clot formation within the arteries. Elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, independent of traditional cholesterol markers such as LDL and total cholesterol. Because Lp(a) is largely genetically determined and not included in standard lipid panels, measuring it provides important insight into inherited heart disease risk and helps guide a more personalized prevention strategy.*

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.

Lab-Specific FAQs

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What does the Durable CARDIO GENETIC panel test for?
Lp(a) [Lipoprotein(a)].*

Why consider pairing this test with the Durable CARDIO ESSENTIAL, CARDIO PREMIUM or CARDIO ULTIMATE panel?
The Durable CARDIO GENETIC test measures Lp(a), an important inherited risk factor for heart disease. It does not assess current cholesterol levels, inflammation or other markers that influence overall cardiovascular risk. Pairing this test with the Durable CARDIO ESSENTIAL panel, the Durable CARDIO PREMIUM panel or the Durable CARDIO ULTIMATE panel provides a broader assessment of lipid levels, LDL particle number and inflammation—offering a more complete view of cardiovascular health.*

Do I need to fast or follow any special instructions prior to this test?
Yes. The Durable CARDIO GENETIC test 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?
No. Short-term dietary choices or alcohol intake do not significantly influence this test.*

How often should I get this test?
Dr. Passero recommends that every adult checks this test at least once in their lifetime, and those with elevated levels or additional risk factors may benefit from periodic re-testing every 12 months. 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.*

Durable CARDIO GENETIC Test®


Dr. Passero recommends this test to measure Lp(a)—a genetically influenced form of LDL that significantly increases cardiovascular risk—and advises that all adults be screened at least once since this important risk factor is not assessed with standard cholesterol testing.*

Suggested Frequency: Every 12 Months

Why This Lab Is Important

+
Cardiovascular risk is influenced by both lifestyle factors and family history. Lp(a) is a unique subtype of LDL cholesterol with an attached protein that makes it more likely to promote plaque buildup, clot formation, arterial calcification and heart valve dysfunction. Because lipid panels do not measure Lp(a), elevated levels can go undetected—even in those with otherwise normal cholesterol results. The Durable CARDIO GENETIC test provides a direct measurement of Lp(a) to help identify individuals who may benefit from a more proactive prevention strategy.*

Dr. Passero considers Lp(a) one of the most important inherited risk factors for heart disease and uses the Durable CARDIO GENETIC test to screen for elevated levels. Approximately 1 in 4 people carry genetic variants associated with increased Lp(a), with higher levels typically observed in women and individuals of African descent, making it far more common than many realize. For this reason, he recommends that every adult be screened at least once in their lifetime—even if other cholesterol markers appear optimal. While Lp(a) levels are largely determined by genetics, overall cardiovascular risk can still be meaningfully reduced by optimizing modifiable factors such as LDL and ApoB levels, blood pressure, blood sugar control and systemic inflammation.*

Dr. Passero recommends the Durable CARDIO GENETIC test for anyone who has not already been screened to:*
  • Assess inherited cardiovascular risk
  • Identify risk not captured by standard cholesterol testing
  • Take a proactive, prevention-focused approach to heart health
Dr. Passero recommends that every adult checks this test at least once in their lifetime, and those with elevated levels or additional risk factors may benefit from periodic re-testing every 12 months.*

The Durable CARDIO GENETIC test provides important insight into inherited cardiovascular risk. For a broader assessment of cholesterol levels, inflammation and arterial health, we also offer the Durable CARDIO ESSENTIAL panel, the Durable CARDIO PREMIUM panel and the Durable CARDIO ULTIMATE panel.*

What’s Included in the Durable CARDIO GENETIC Test
This test measures the primary marker used to assess levels of Lp(a):*
  • Lp(a) [Lipoprotein(a)]—Lp(a) is a subtype of LDL cholesterol with an additional protein attached to its surface. This structural difference increases its ability to promote plaque buildup, inflammation and clot formation within the arteries. Elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, independent of traditional cholesterol markers such as LDL and total cholesterol. Because Lp(a) is largely genetically determined and not included in standard lipid panels, measuring it provides important insight into inherited heart disease risk and helps guide a more personalized prevention strategy.*

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.

Lab-Specific FAQs

+
What does the Durable CARDIO GENETIC panel test for?
Lp(a) [Lipoprotein(a)].*

Why consider pairing this test with the Durable CARDIO ESSENTIAL, CARDIO PREMIUM or CARDIO ULTIMATE panel?
The Durable CARDIO GENETIC test measures Lp(a), an important inherited risk factor for heart disease. It does not assess current cholesterol levels, inflammation or other markers that influence overall cardiovascular risk. Pairing this test with the Durable CARDIO ESSENTIAL panel, the Durable CARDIO PREMIUM panel or the Durable CARDIO ULTIMATE panel provides a broader assessment of lipid levels, LDL particle number and inflammation—offering a more complete view of cardiovascular health.*

Do I need to fast or follow any special instructions prior to this test?
Yes. The Durable CARDIO GENETIC test 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?
No. Short-term dietary choices or alcohol intake do not significantly influence this test.*

How often should I get this test?
Dr. Passero recommends that every adult checks this test at least once in their lifetime, and those with elevated levels or additional risk factors may benefit from periodic re-testing every 12 months. 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.*