Boston Heart Cholesterol Balance®

The Cholesterol Balance Test from Boston Heart provides valuable insight into the underlying pathophysiology behind an individual’s elevated cholesterol. 

This test assesses cellular cholesterol production and gastrointestinal cholesterol absorption, using a proprietary lipid extraction method.

Genetic variations amongst individuals can cause them to make more intracellular cholesterol or absorb more cholesterol from the gut lumen. 

Many cells in the body can produce their own cholesterol. Lathosterol and desmosterol are intracellular cholesterols markers produced in high enough amounts to be detected in the blood. Elevations in these markers were significantly associated with cardiovascular disease in the Framingham Offspring Study. 

Beta-sitosterol and Campesterolare markers of the gastrointestinal absorption of cholesterol from the food we eat and the bile acids that our body uses to excrete cholesterol. 

Beta-sitosterol and Campesterolare phytosterols (cholesterol-like compounds found in plants) that we absorb via our GI tract and circulate in our blood. 

Boston Heart uses these phytosterols as a metric to quantify how successful the body is at absorbing sterols from the GI tract.

Which Patients is the Cholesterol Balance Test Best Used For?

Rates of cholesterol absorption in the Gi tract vary widely between individuals due to genetic differences and can range from as little as 25% absorption to 80% absorption. 

TheCholesterol Balance Test helps you identify which pathway is the root cause for elevated serum cholesterol and will allow you to tailor your medication or lifestyle recommendations to your unique patient.

*Please be advised that Boston HeartDiagnostics policy states that practitioners are unable to order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.