Your heart health is the overall condition and function of your cardiovascular system, including the heart and blood vessels that circulate blood throughout your body. Think of it as your body’s personal power grid, keeping oxygen and nutrients flowing where they’re needed.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for about one in every three deaths, according to the CDC. Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis can develop quietly over time, often without symptoms, until a major event such as a heart attack or stroke occurs.
Think of your heart health as your body’s personal power grid, keeping oxygen and nutrients flowing where they’re needed. Regular testing and monitoring of key heart health biomarkers such as cholesterol and triglycerides can help identify risks early. When combined with healthy habits like a balanced diet and exercise, these insights support prevention and ongoing care. While no single lab test can prevent or diagnose heart disease, testing provides valuable information that you and your healthcare provider can use to guide your long-term cardiovascular health.
Lab testing through Hers is built around key biomarkers that reflect how your body is performing across major health systems. Each test focuses on high-impact indicators chosen to give you the clearest picture of your well-being and where to take action next. Instead of testing everything, Hers zeroes in on the markers that matter most for guiding long-term health improvements.
Tests for heart health focus on blood fats, proteins, and inflammation markers that help estimate your cardiovascular risk and how well your cardiovascular system is functioning. Together, these biomarkers can give providers a clearer picture of your heart disease risk.
Apolipoprotein B
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a protein that carries LDL and other bad cholesterol particles in the blood. Lower ApoB levels mean fewer harmful cholesterol particles are in your blood, and an overall reduced risk for heart disease.
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) is a liver-made protein that rises with inflammation. A low level is associated with a lower heart disease risk.
Lipoprotein (a)
Lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), is a genetically inherited cholesterol particle similar to LDL. A low level is a good sign for heart health.
Non-HDL Cholesterol
Non-HDL cholesterol includes all the "bad" types of cholesterol that can build up in your arteries. A healthy level is a good sign for your overall heart health.
HDL Cholesterol
HDL, or “good” cholesterol, acts like a cleanup crew to clear harmful fats from your blood. A healthy HDL level helps prevent buildup in your arteries.
LDL Cholesterol
LDL is the “bad” cholesterol linked to plaque buildup in artery walls. A healthy level means fewer harmful cholesterol particles in your blood, which reduces overall risk for plaque buildup.
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol is the total amount of all cholesterol types, including HDL, LDL, and other blood fats, and gives a general snapshot of your cholesterol status. When the number is in a good range, it shows a lower risk of developing heart disease.
Cholesterol/HDL Ratio
This ratio compares your total cholesterol to HDL, the "good" cholesterol.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood made from unused calories that are stored for energy. Low triglyceride levels indicate that your body is not having problems with insulin resistance or processing fat, which is good.
With lab testing through Hers, you get clear results that span multiple areas of health — connecting the dots between your cardiovascular system, metabolism, hormones, liver, kidneys, nutrients, inflammation, immune function, blood health, stress, and even biological age. The results are explained clearly and simply, so you can easily understand what’s happening inside your body.
Beyond the numbers, Hers provides actionable insights into where you need to focus to improve your health. Each result comes with insights to help you make sense of your biomarkers and identify practical steps to support better outcomes.
If your results suggest areas for improvement, you’ll receive an action plan designed by experts that includes lifestyle guidance and, when deemed appropriate by a healthcare provider, prescription medication to help you reach your goals.
More than 2.4 million people trust Hims & Hers for accessible, science-backed care — from lab testing to ongoing health management.1
Who should get tested for heart health and when?
Heart-related blood tests — like cholesterol screening — are recommended for most adults based on age and individual risk factors. Testing may be needed more often if you have:
• A family history of heart disease.
• Underlying health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity.
• Lifestyle habits like smoking, limited physical activity, or a high-fat diet.
• Unexplained symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue.
If you ever experience chest pain or pressure, sudden shortness of breath, or other concerning symptoms, call 911 and seek emergency medical care immediately.
What is the difference between LDL and non-HDL cholesterol?
LDL measures one type of harmful cholesterol, while non-HDL cholesterol includes all forms considered damaging. Non-HDL is often a stronger predictor of future heart disease.
Are high triglycerides always dangerous?
Elevated triglycerides increase cardiovascular risk, but they’re strongly influenced by diet, alcohol, weight, and physical activity. Adjusting these factors can lower triglyceride levels.
How often should I get my cholesterol checked?
The American Heart Association recommends cholesterol screening starting at age 20 and repeating every 4 to 6 years for people at low risk.
Can I improve my heart health biomarkers naturally?
Yes. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, exercising regularly, not smoking, and limiting alcohol can improve cholesterol and overall heart health.
How does inflammation affect heart health?
Chronic low-grade inflammation, detected by hs-CRP, is linked to a higher risk of plaque buildup in arteries. While inflammation doesn’t directly cause heart disease, it can worsen existing plaque instability. The hs-CRP test provides useful context when evaluated with cholesterol and other risk markers.
Find your baseline with 120 biomarker tests, then plan for your health breakthrough.
Reviewed by Felix Gussone, MD
Published 11/13/2025
