Advanced Cardiovascular Risk Screening
Advanced Diagnostic Protocol
Clinical Significance
Cardiovascular disease remains the biggest cause of death worldwide — and standard cholesterol tests only tell part of the story. Around half of heart attacks occur in people with "normal" cholesterol. Our Advanced Cardiovascular Risk Screening goes deeper: alongside the full lipid profile, it measures Apolipoprotein A1 and B (the protein particles that actually carry cholesterol), Lipoprotein(a) — a largely genetic risk factor most people have never had measured — high-sensitivity CRP for vascular inflammation, and Lp-PLA2, an enzyme marker associated with unstable arterial plaque.
Led by Nurse Luciana
Expert blood draws and comprehensive written reports for every protocol.
Biomarker Blueprint
Clinical Measurements
Lipid Profile
Advanced Cardiovascular Markers
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why measure Apolipoproteins as well as cholesterol?
Standard tests measure the cholesterol inside particles; ApoB counts the particles themselves. Every potentially artery-damaging particle carries one ApoB protein, so ApoB (and the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio) can reveal risk that a normal LDL figure hides — particularly in people with diabetes, metabolic syndrome or high triglycerides.
Q. What is Lipoprotein(a) and why does it matter?
Lp(a) is an inherited particle that promotes clotting and plaque formation. Roughly 1 in 5 people have raised levels — usually with no idea, because it is not part of standard NHS cholesterol testing. Because levels are about 90% genetic, a single lifetime measurement is highly informative. European cardiology guidelines now recommend everyone have Lp(a) measured at least once.
Q. What does high-sensitivity CRP add?
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process. hs-CRP measures low-grade vascular inflammation and adds prognostic information beyond cholesterol alone — persistently raised levels are associated with higher heart attack and stroke risk even when lipids look acceptable.
Q. What is Lp-PLA2?
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 is an enzyme concentrated in arterial plaque. Elevated levels are associated with plaque instability — the kind more likely to rupture and cause heart attack or stroke — adding a further dimension to risk assessment.
Q. Who should take this test?
Adults with a family history of early heart disease or stroke, people with borderline standard cholesterol results wanting clarity, those with high blood pressure or diabetes, and anyone who has never had Lp(a) measured. If you have chest pain or symptoms now, call 999 or see your GP urgently — this is a risk assessment for people without acute symptoms.
Clinical Protocol
A 12-hour fast is required — only water during the fasting period. Avoid heavy exercise for 24 hours before the test. If you take statins or other lipid-lowering medication, continue as normal but tell our nurse, as this provides essential context for interpretation.
If you require a fasting lipid profile and glucose test, please fast for 12 hours before your appointment; only water is permitted during the fasting period.
- Standard Medical & Lifestyle Questionnaire
- Height
- Weight
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
Gentle Blood Draws by Our Registered Nurse
Our South Kensington Clinic
Not sure which test you need? We'll guide you.
Book a health screening without choosing a package — our registered nurse will call you before your visit to talk through your health goals and recommend the right tests for you. No obligation, and you only pay in clinic for what you choose.
Guided bookings open from two days ahead so our team can call you first. Outside clinic hours? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll reply as soon as we open.
Advanced Cardiovascular Risk Screening — ApoB, Lp(a) & hs-CRP Testing in London
Go beyond standard cholesterol testing. Our Advanced Cardiovascular Risk Screening measures the deeper markers used in modern preventive cardiology — Apolipoproteins A1 and B, Lipoprotein(a), high-sensitivity CRP and Lp-PLA2 — alongside a complete lipid profile, with clear written interpretation from our nursing team in South Kensington.
What's Included
- Full Lipid Profile (Total, HDL, LDL, non-HDL, Triglycerides)
- Apolipoprotein A1 and Apolipoprotein B + ratio
- Lipoprotein(a)
- High-Sensitivity CRP
- Lp-PLA2 (PLAC) plaque enzyme marker
- Blood pressure and cardiovascular risk score
- Written report by a registered nurse
Not Included (Upgrade Available)
- —ECG or cardiac imaging
- —Coronary calcium scoring
- —Diagnosis or treatment of heart disease
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults with a family history of early heart attack or stroke
- People whose standard cholesterol results are borderline
- Anyone who has never had Lipoprotein(a) measured
- People with high blood pressure, diabetes or metabolic syndrome
- Those wanting evidence-based reassurance about heart risk
Why "normal cholesterol" can be falsely reassuring
Standard lipid panels average out what is happening at particle level. Two people with identical LDL cholesterol can carry very different numbers of atherogenic particles — and it is particle number (ApoB) that tracks most closely with risk in contemporary research. Add Lp(a), which standard tests ignore entirely, and vascular inflammation via hs-CRP, and you have a materially more complete risk picture than a routine cholesterol check provides.
What you can actually do with these results
Advanced markers are actionable. Raised ApoB responds to the same measures as LDL — diet, exercise, weight and, where a GP deems appropriate, statins with specific ApoB targets. Raised hs-CRP responds to exercise, weight loss and stopping smoking. Raised Lp(a) cannot yet be directly lowered by lifestyle, but knowing it is high justifies managing every other risk factor more aggressively — and new targeted therapies are in late-stage trials. Your report translates each result into practical next steps to discuss with your GP.
Your appointment
A 20–30 minute fasting appointment at our South Kensington clinic, including blood pressure and cardiovascular risk scoring by our registered nurse. Results are returned in around three working days through our secure portal, with a written report explaining every marker in plain English and copies available for your GP.
Important: This screening service does not replace consultation with your GP. If you have symptoms that concern you, please speak to your GP or call NHS 111. Our registered nurse will clearly signpost you to appropriate NHS care if any result requires follow-up.
"Our Advanced Cardiovascular Risk Screening provides the comprehensive insight you need to take control of your health. Every biomarker is carefully analysed and results are reviewed by our clinical team."
Nurse Luciana, Lead Clinical Nurse
Same-day appointments available in South Kensington
You may also be interested in
For Men
Platinum MOT – Men
Adds PSA & cardiac markers
For Women
Platinum MOT – Women
Adds CA-125 & cardiac markers
Comprehensive
Platinum MOT – Men
PSA, cardiac BNP & full vitamin panel
Metabolic Health
Diabetes & Kidney Screening
Glycaemic control & renal filtration
Our Team
Meet Our Clinicians
Expert nurse-led care in South Kensington
Clinical Testimonials.
"Luciana the Brazilian nurse is the best!! Very kind and super efficient, she managed to get my blood very smoothly and I had the best experience. I really recommend going there and asking for her."
"Great experience at South Kensington Medical and Dental Clinic. Kind staff, quick appointment, and very fast results. Everything was smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend!"
"I was really impressed by the whole experience at South Kensington MD. Booking and engagement were seamless, with no tedious manual forms to fill in. The staff were friendly and welcoming throughout."
