The 5 Lab Tests That Could Save Your Life
Many of the deadliest chronic diseases, like heart disease, diabetes, dementia and cancer, develop quietly for years and then can seemingly come out of nowhere. But poor future health issues can be identified in advance if you look at the right markers. These five lab tests, which are often not checked by your doctor, can help detect those risks early—and may save or extend your life.
1. Fasting Insulin
Why it matters: Elevated insulin is an early marker of metabolic dysfunction—even years before blood sugar becomes abnormal.
Chronically elevated insulin is linked to insulin resistance, weight gain, and increased risk for type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and cardiovascular disease. Most physicians don’t routinely test this, but it is a FAR better measure of metabolic dysfunction than the hemoglobin A1c that doctors more commonly check.
Optimal range: 2–6 µIU/mL
Risk stat: A fasting insulin above 15 µIU/mL is associated with up to a fivefold increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 years, even if glucose is still normal (Weyer et al., 2000).
2. ApoB (Apolipoprotein B)
Why it matters: ApoB directly reflects the number of atherogenic lipoproteins in the blood—particles that drive plaque formation and heart disease.
Unlike total cholesterol or LDL-C, ApoB is the most accurate predictor of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes.
Optimal range: < 60–80 mg/dL
Risk stat: People in the top 20% of ApoB levels have a 2–3x higher risk of coronary heart disease than those in the bottom 20%—regardless of LDL levels (Sniderman et al., JAMA, 2003).
3. High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)
Why it matters: hs-CRP is a marker of chronic, low-grade inflammation—linked to virtually every chronic disease.
Inflammation plays a major role in atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, neurodegeneration, and even cancer progression. hs-CRP is sensitive enough to detect subclinical inflammation that’s easy to miss otherwise.
Optimal range: < 0.5 mg/L
Risk stat: People with hs-CRP >3.0 mg/L have twice the risk of heart attack and stroke compared to those with levels <1.0 (Ridker et al., NEJM, 2000).
4. Triglycerides
Why it matters: Elevated triglycerides signal metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance—and often accompany low HDL and high visceral fat.
This test is the exception on this list, because most doctors DO check it, but they often don’t comment on the results because there is no pill to lower your triglyceride levels. But it really matters! High triglycerides are more than a marker of fat in the blood—they’re an early warning for poor carbohydrate tolerance, fatty liver, and elevated cardiovascular risk.
Optimal range: < 80 mg/dL (even though <150 mg/dL is considered “normal”)
Risk stat: A triglyceride level ≥200 mg/dL is associated with a 3x higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and levels above 150 mg/dL are strongly correlated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome (Sarwar et al., Circulation, 2007).
5. Lipoprotein(a) – Lp(a)
🧬 Why it matters: This genetically determined cholesterol particle promotes arterial plaque and blood clots—and isn’t reduced by lifestyle changes alone.
Lp(a) is a stealth cardiovascular risk factor, often elevated in people with a strong family history of early heart disease, despite otherwise “normal” labs… and doctors rarely check it!
Test it once in your life—it’s genetic
Risk stat: Elevated Lp(a) (>50 mg/dL) is associated with a 2–4x increased risk of heart attack and aortic valve disease, independent of LDL or ApoB levels (Tsimikas et al., JACC, 2018).
Final Thoughts
These five tests can detect risks years before disease shows up on imaging or symptoms begin. Together, they give a window into your metabolic health, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk—areas that account for over 80% of chronic illness and early death.
As Dr. Peter Attia says: “Don’t aim to be in the normal range. Aim to be in the optimal range.” Testing early, even when you feel fine, gives you time to make powerful changes that can add decades of healthy life.
If you're interested in getting these tests done—or simply want clarity about your health risks and a personalized plan to address them—let’s schedule a time to talk. I’d be honored to help you reach your health, performance, and longevity goals.
