Test ID: B-222M | Sample Type: Dried Blood Spot | Test Method: Immunoassay | Results: 3–5 Working Days | Laboratory: ZRT Laboratory – CLIA Certified | Report: Specialist Doctor Comment Included | Suitable For: Men | Collect Sample At Home: No Clinic Visit Required | Important: Must Be Collected Fasting
Are You at Risk of Heart Disease, Diabetes, or Metabolic Syndrome Without Knowing It?
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men in the UK — yet most men have never had a comprehensive assessment of their metabolic and cardiac risk. The warning signs often develop silently over years, dismissed as stress, weight gain, or simply getting older. Insulin resistance, elevated triglycerides, and chronic low-grade inflammation can all be well established long before a heart attack or diabetes diagnosis. This comprehensive 6-marker panel is designed to catch the warning signs early. If you recognise any of the following, this test could be one of the most important health checks you take:
- High blood pressure or a family history of heart disease or type 2 diabetes
- Weight gain around the abdomen or difficulty losing belly fat
- Elevated triglycerides or high cholesterol on previous tests
- Fatigue, brain fog, or persistent sugar cravings
- Reduced erections or low libido — an early sign of cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction
- Muscle loss, soreness, or reduced exercise performance
- Energy crashes after meals or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight
- Numbness or tingling in feet or hands
- Already diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes, or cardiovascular disease
- Currently taking cholesterol-lowering medication or TRT
Why Cardiometabolic Health Is a Critical Priority for Men
Men develop cardiovascular disease on average 7–10 years earlier than women, and are more likely to have a heart attack without prior warning. Testosterone plays a complex role in metabolic health — low testosterone is independently associated with insulin resistance, elevated triglycerides, and increased visceral fat, creating a feedback loop that accelerates cardiometabolic decline. Men on TRT, those with suspected andropause, or anyone carrying excess abdominal weight should consider this panel an essential baseline.
What This Test Measures
Six clinically validated markers to assess cardiovascular risk, diabetes progression, and systemic inflammation:
- Fasting Insulin (IN) — the earliest and most sensitive marker of insulin resistance, detectable before blood sugar rises
- HbA1c (Haemoglobin A1c) — your 3-month average blood sugar level; used to screen for pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes
- High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) — a key marker of systemic inflammation linked to cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and metabolic dysfunction
- Triglycerides (TG) — blood fats that rise with poor diet, insulin resistance, and excess alcohol; a strong independent predictor of cardiovascular disease
- Total Cholesterol (CH) — overall cholesterol status; a core cardiovascular screening marker
- HDL Cholesterol (HDL) — the protective “good” cholesterol; low HDL is a strong predictor of heart disease risk
Together these markers provide a clinically relevant evaluation of your risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and chronic inflammation.
Cardiometabolic Test Reference Ranges
| Test | Unit | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol (CH) | mg/dL | 132–239 | 132–239 |
| HDL Cholesterol (HDL) | mg/dL | 40–60 | 40–60 |
| LDL Cholesterol (LDL) | mg/dL | <160 | <160 |
| LDL Cholesterol—Optimum | mg/dL | 100–159 | 100–159 |
| VLDL Cholesterol (VLDL) | mg/dL | <30 | <30 |
| Triglycerides (TG) | mg/dL | <150 | <150 |
| Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) | % | 4–6 | 4–6 |
| Fasting Insulin (Ins) | μIU/mL | 1–15 | 1–15 |
| Fasting Insulin—Optimum | μIU/mL | 2–6 | 2–6 |
| High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) | mg/L | <3 | <3 |
Who Should Consider This Test?
- Men with no recent comprehensive cardiovascular or metabolic check
- Family history of heart disease, stroke, or type 2 diabetes
- Abdominal weight gain, poor diet, or limited exercise
- Fatigue, brain fog, sugar cravings, or energy crashes after meals
- Low libido or erectile dysfunction — early cardiovascular warning signs
- Currently on TRT — monitoring cardiometabolic impact is clinically recommended
- Already diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes, or cardiovascular disease
How It Works
- Order your kit — delivered to your door
- Collect your sample at home — a simple finger-prick dried blood spot taken while fasting (no food or drink other than water); no clinic or GP visit needed
- Post your sample to ZRT Laboratory using the return instructions provided
- Receive your results by email within 3–5 working days of the lab receiving your sample
What You Receive
- All six markers displayed clearly in graphics and numbers with reference and optimal ranges
- Written interpretation by a Hormone Specialist PhD Doctor
- Guidance on what your results mean and what to do next
- Laboratory fee included — no hidden charges
Why We Use ZRT Laboratory
All testing is performed by ZRT Laboratory — a globally recognised, CLIA-certified diagnostic laboratory founded in 1998 by Dr. David Zava, PhD. ZRT has performed over 11 million tests and is trusted by healthcare professionals in 96+ countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fast before collecting my sample?
Yes — fasting is essential for this panel. Collect your sample within 1 hour of waking, having had nothing to eat or drink except water since the previous evening. Fasting ensures accurate insulin and triglyceride results, which are significantly affected by recent food intake.
How does low testosterone relate to cardiometabolic risk?
Low testosterone is independently associated with insulin resistance, elevated triglycerides, increased visceral fat, and reduced HDL — all of which are components of metabolic syndrome. Men with andropause symptoms or on TRT benefit particularly from regular cardiometabolic monitoring.
What is hs-CRP and why does it matter?
High-sensitivity CRP is a marker of systemic low-grade inflammation — a key driver of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Elevated hs-CRP is associated with a 2–3x increased risk of heart attack and stroke, even in men with apparently normal cholesterol.
Does the price include the laboratory fee?
Yes. The full laboratory analysis fee is included. You are only responsible for posting your sample to the laboratory.
How long is the kit valid for?
The kit must be used within 12 months of the purchase date.