1. Cholesterol panel
A standard panel includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Ask how your results fit into your overall cardiovascular risk.
Ask: “When was my last panel, and what should we follow up?”
Five tests to discuss with your clinician
A starting point for a conversation about heart health and blood sugar. This is the same general guide for every reader, not a personalized interpretation of quiz answers.
You may already have some of these results, and you may not need every test. Your clinician can decide what fits your history, symptoms, medications, and previous results. This guide does not diagnose a condition or recommend treatment.
2. Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a)
Lp(a) is mostly inherited and is not included in a standard cholesterol panel. Current AHA guidance recommends measuring it at least once in adulthood.
Ask: “Have I had an Lp(a) blood test?”
3. Apolipoprotein B, or ApoB
ApoB can add information in selected circumstances, including high triglycerides or type 2 diabetes. It is not an automatic extra test for every reader.
Ask: “Would ApoB add useful information to my existing cholesterol results?”
Source for cholesterol panel and ApoB: 2026 ACC/AHA lipid guidance
4. HbA1c, or A1C
A1C estimates average blood glucose over about three months. Certain blood conditions can affect the result, so your clinician may compare it with other information.
Ask: “Is my A1C consistent with my other results and medical history?”
5. Fasting plasma glucose
This measures blood glucose after fasting. A clinician may use it alongside or instead of A1C; sometimes an oral glucose tolerance test helps answer a different question.
Ask: “Which blood sugar test fits my situation, and when should it be repeated?”
Bring context, not just numbers
Bring your existing results, medication list, and family history, including relatives’ ages at diagnosis. South Asian health research can inform the conversation; it does not replace assessment of your own history.
Learn about the MASALA research study. Masala Health is not affiliated with the study or the organizations linked here.
Keep your record ready for the visit
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