Traditional lipid profiles often fail to detect small, dense LDL and IDL particles, which pose significant cardiovascular risks (1,2). Elevated cholesterol levels do not consistently indicate the risk of heart attacks, as harmful LDL particles can exist even with normal cholesterol levels. In contrast, Liposcreen LDL Subfractions and Oxidised LDL (4031) panel offers a comprehensive analysis by quantifying all lipoprotein sub-fractions, distinguishing between less atherogenic LDL-1 and LDL-2 and highly atherogenic LDL-3 to LDL-7, and measuring VLDL and IDL cholesterol (1,2).Understanding the type and size of cholesterol particles is crucial for precise risk assessment and treatment choices, particularly because small LDL particles are especially dangerous. This panel also includes Oxidized LDL which is a modified form of LD L cholesterol that has undergone oxidative damage (1). This modification makes LDL particles a significant risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis (1,2).

References:

1. Qiao YN, Zou YL, Guo SD. Low-density lipoprotein particles in atherosclerosis. Frontiers in Physiology [Internet]. 2022 Aug 30; 13. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9468243/

2. Ip S. Systematic Review: Association of Low-Density Lipoprotein Subfractions With Cardiovascular Outcomes. Annals of Internal Medicine [Internet]. 2009 Apr 7; 150(7):474. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6880859/