Cardio Zoomer Test Review

Most “heart checkups” stop at the basic cholesterol test. The Vibrant Wellness Cardio Zoomer goes a lot deeper, testing metabolism, endothelial health, inflammation/oxidative stress, advanced lipids (including ApoB and Lp(a)), ceramides, sterol balance, omega status, and clotting/stress markers. 

You can also add the Cardio Genetics test to explain why certain patterns show up and this can help to personalize prevention diet and potential medication choices with pharmacogenomic insights.

Key takeaways

• Deeper than a standard lipid panel: Cardio Zoomer quantifies hidden drivers (endothelial NO pathway, oxidative stress, remnant lipids, ceramides, cholesterol production vs absorption).
  
• Genetics: Cardio Genetics screens lipid, BP/RAAS, clotting, oxidative-stress genes and drug-response variants (e.g., statins, clopidogrel, caffeine).
  
• Actionable summary: Clear category meters, 10-year Framingham/Reynolds risk, and personalized suggestions you can turn into a step-by-step plan.
  
• Combines what’s happening in your body now with your lifelong genetic tendencies, helping you set the right goals, match the right therapies, and make smarter lifestyle choices.

What is the Cardio Zoomer?

The Cardio Zoomer is a comprehensive blood and urine test that goes far beyond basic cholesterol screening to give you a complete picture of your cardiovascular health.

This advanced test analyzes key markers including detailed cholesterol fractions, inflammation levels, blood clotting factors, metabolic health indicators, and oxidative stress markers that can silently increase your risk for heart disease and stroke—often before symptoms appear.

Whether you’re experiencing unexplained fatigue, have a family history of heart disease, struggle with blood pressure or cholesterol management, or simply want to take a proactive approach to your heart health, the Cardio Zoomer provides personalized insights that help you.

What Cardio Zoomer Test measures

1. Endothelial function (NO pathway)

• Arginine — An amino acid your arteries use to make nitric oxide (NO), which helps blood vessels relax. Low availability can mean stiffer arteries and higher blood-pressure risk.
  
• Citrulline — Recycles into arginine to keep NO production going. Lower levels can hint that your body isn’t making enough arginine for healthy vessel flexibility.
  
• Homoarginine — An alternative NO substrate; lower values are linked with higher cardiovascular risk. Helps with overall NO capacity.
  
• ADMA — A natural blocker of NO synthase; higher ADMA means less NO and more endothelial dysfunction. It’s a red-flag for artery health even when cholesterol looks “normal.”
  
• SDMA — A close cousin to ADMA that can reduce arginine transport and track with kidney stress. Higher values also point to reduced NO bioavailability.
  
• Key ratios (e.g., arginine:ADMA, homoarginine:ADMA, arginine:SDMA) — Show the balance between NO “fuel” and NO “brakes.” Better ratios suggest better vessel relaxation.

2. Lipids & ratios

• ApoB — Counts the number of plaque-forming particles (LDL, remnants, Lp[a]). Higher ApoB = more particles that can enter artery walls and build plaque.
  
• LDL-C (direct) — Cholesterol carried inside LDL particles. Important, but ApoB often tells the risk story more precisely.
  
• HDL-C — The “recycling” cholesterol. Low HDL-C can signal metabolic stress, but function matters more than the number.
  
• Triglycerides — Reflect how your body handles sugars and fats. Higher levels usually mean more remnant particles and insulin resistance.
  
• Lp(a) — A genetically set, “stickier” LDL-like particle that raises lifetime atherosclerosis and valve-calcification risk. Lifestyle barely moves it, so we manage everything else aggressively.
  
• sdLDL (small-dense LDL) — A smaller, denser LDL subtype that slips into arteries and oxidizes easily, heightening plaque risk.
  
• ApoA-1 — Main protein on HDL; higher levels generally signal better cholesterol “efflux” (cleanup) capacity.

3. Ceramides & ratios

• Ceramides (e.g., Cer 16:0, 18:0, 24:1) — Bioactive fats that drive inflammation and plaque instability. Elevated levels predict events even when LDL is “fine.”
  
• Ceramide ratios — Weight risk by comparing harmful ceramides to a more neutral one (24:0). Higher ratios = higher cardiovascular risk.

4. Sterol balance

• Lathosterol & Desmosterol (production markers) — Indicate how much cholesterol your liver is making. Higher values point to over-production.
  
• Campesterol & β-sitosterol (absorption markers) — Indicate how much cholesterol/plant sterols you’re absorbing from the gut. Higher values point to over-absorption.
  
• Why care? Seeing production vs absorption helps personalize the plan (diet focus vs absorption-blocking strategies), not just “lowering LDL.”

5. Inflammation & plaque

• hsCRP — A sensitive, whole-body inflammation signal; higher values track with higher heart risk. Great for monitoring lifestyle changes.
  
• Homocysteine — A sulfur amino acid; higher levels can irritate the endothelium and are influenced by B-vitamins, kidney function, and thyroid status.
  
• IL-6 — An “upstream” inflammatory messenger that drives CRP; higher levels mean that inflammation is turned on.
  
• TNF-α — Another powerful cytokine linked with insulin resistance and plaque activity; higher values support an “inflammation first” focus.
  
• MPO (myeloperoxidase) — An enzyme that oxidizes lipids and proteins in plaque; higher values suggest more vulnerable, active plaque biology.
  
• PLAC (Lp-PLA₂ activity) — An enzyme tied to LDL that reflects artery-wall inflammation; higher activity signals more plaque irritation.
  
• oxLDL — LDL that has been oxidized—exactly the form most likely to trigger foam cells and unstable plaque.

6. Omega panel

• EPA — Marine omega-3 that cools inflammation and helps lower triglycerides; supports heart rhythm stability.
  
• DPA — A “middle” omega-3 between EPA and DHA; emerging evidence suggests additional anti-inflammatory benefits.
  
• DHA — Marine omega-3 that integrates into cell membranes (brain/retina/heart) and supports anti-arrhythmic, anti-inflammatory effects.
  
• LA (linoleic acid) — An essential omega-6; from whole foods (nuts, seeds) it can be heart-friendly. Context and overall balance matter.
  
• AA (arachidonic acid) — Omega-6 that’s a building block for signaling molecules; balance with omega-3s helps keep inflammation in check.
  
• Omega-3 Total / Index — The percentage of EPA+DHA in red blood cells; higher indices correlate with lower fatal heart-event risk.
  
• Omega-6 Total — Shows overall omega-6 status; aim for diversity and balance rather than eliminating omega-6.

7. Cardiac stress & clotting

• NT-proBNP — Released when the heart muscle is stretched; higher levels point to cardiac strain or heart-failure risk.
  
• D-dimer — A breakdown product of clots; higher levels signal that clotting and fibrinolysis are active somewhere in the body.
  
• Troponin-T — A highly specific marker of heart-muscle injury. Even small, persistent elevations deserve attention in context.
  
• CK (creatine kinase) — A muscle-injury enzyme (cardiac and skeletal). Useful context if you’re on statins or have post-exercise muscle symptoms.

Additional Markers in the Cardio Zoomer Test

The Vibrant Wellness Cardio Zoomer measures many more markers than we’ve listed here, including standard liver and kidney panels, plus the standard cholesterol panel alongside ApoB and Lp(a).

The summary page also shows two at-a-glance 10-year risk scores that help frame the plan:

• Framingham Risk Score — Estimates 10-year risk of coronary events using age, sex, total & HDL cholesterol, systolic BP (and whether it’s treated), smoking, and diabetes. It’s the classic baseline many clinics use; we combine it with modern markers (ApoB, Lp[a], ceramides) to avoid under- or over-estimation in individuals.
  
• Reynolds Risk Score — Also estimates 10-year risk, but adds high-sensitivity CRP and parental history of heart attack, making it more “inflammation-aware” (originally validated in women, later in men). It’s especially helpful when lipids look “okay” but inflammation or family history suggests otherwise.

What is the Cardio Genetics add-on?

Cardio Genetics is a one-time DNA screen that shows your inherited tendencies for things like how you handle cholesterol and triglycerides, how your body regulates blood pressure, how “inflamed” your artery environment tends to run, how easily you form or clear clots, and how you may respond to common heart medications.

Not destiny—just helps to understand your risk. Your genes don’t decide your future; they set a baseline. Lifestyle, sleep, stress, fitness, nutrition, and oral health, these are the main triggers that can activate your genetic risk.

Knowing your predispositions simply tells us where to focus so prevention is smarter, earlier, and more personal. This is something that I wish I had known 10-20 years ago as I have a strong family history of heart disease.

How it helps in practice

• Sharper targets: If your blueprint leans toward certain lipid or blood-pressure patterns, we’ll set clearer goals (e.g., ApoB/Lp(a) targets, sodium awareness, omega-3 status).
  
• Better lifestyle leverage: Choose food patterns, training priorities, and recovery habits that best counter your specific risks.
  
• Medication fit (when needed): Pharmacogenomic insights can help your clinician choose or dose certain heart medications more confidently.
  
• One-and-done: Your DNA doesn’t change. You test once, then use the results alongside your Cardio Zoomer labs to guide prevention over time.

Who is this Cardio Zoomer Test for?

• Family history of early heart disease or stubborn lipids
• Borderline BP or glucose
• Endurance athletes curious about endothelial/oxidative status
• Anyone who wants pharmacogenomic guidance before starting heart meds

What the Cardio Zoomer reports look like

• Summary dashboard with Framingham/Reynolds and category meters
• NO pathway graphic (Endothelium section)
• Lipoprotein diagram + Sterol Balance gauge
• Genetics: RAAS schematic + drug-response wheels
• Personalized suggestions page (end of the report)

Key genes at a glance 

1. Lipoproteins & triglycerides

• LPA – Tends to raise Lp(a) → higher lifetime atherosclerosis/valve-calcification risk.
  
• LDLR / APOB / PCSK9 – “FH genes” that can push LDL/ApoB high from youth.
  
• APOE – Shapes LDL/TG profile (ε4 often ↑ LDL; ε2 can ↑ TG).
  
• LPL / APOA5 / APOC3 – Control triglyceride clearance (remnant cholesterol tendency).
  
• ANGPTL3 / ANGPTL4 / GPIHBP1 – Switches that brake/route TG metabolism.
  
• CETP / SCARB1 / APOA1 / APOA2 – Influence HDL function (efflux), not just HDL-C.
  
• SORT1 / MTP – Affect hepatic VLDL assembly and LDL-C levels.
  

2. Vascular & blood pressure

• ACE / AGTR1 / AGT / CYP11B2 – RAAS set-point; salt sensitivity and BP response.
  
• CYP4A11 / CYP4F2 – Kidney 20-HETE pathway (BP regulation).
  
• NOS3 – Nitric-oxide production; endothelial resilience.
  
• CORIN / ADD1 / EDN1 – Natriuretic peptide activation and vascular tone.
  
• 9p21 – Polygenic signal for premature CAD.
  
• 4q25 (PITX2) – Atrial fibrillation predisposition.
  

3. Inflammation / oxidative stress

• PON1 – HDL-bound enzyme; helps prevent LDL oxidation.
  
• MPO – Neutrophil enzyme tied to oxidized lipids/vulnerable plaque.
  
• HDAC9 – Signals large-artery stroke/vascular remodeling.
  

4. Clotting & pharmacogenomics

• F5 (Factor V Leiden) / F2 (Prothrombin) / PLG – Venous clotting/fibrinolysis tendencies.
  
• SLCO1B1, CYP3A5, ABCG2 – Guide statin choice/dose (clinician-directed).
  
• CYP2C19 – Needed to activate clopidogrel; LOF suggests alternatives.
  
• CYP1A2 – Caffeine clearance; slow metabolizers may see stronger BP/arrhythmia effects.
  

How to Interpret Your Cardio Zoomer Test Results

Your Cardio Zoomer Test doesn’t just show numbers — it reveals where your cardiovascular system may need more support. Below, you’ll find what each result pattern means and practical steps you can take right away to improve your heart health.

If your particle burden is high (for example, ApoB is elevated or ceramide ratios are high)

What it means: there are more plaque-forming particles in circulation and your artery environment is more “lipotoxic”.

What to do now:

• Build meals around cardioprotective foods (leafy greens, colorful veg, berries, legumes, oats/whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fish). Keep ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and deep-fried items to a minimum.
  
• Aim for two servings of fatty fish per week (or discuss omega-3 options with your clinician if you do not eat fish).
  
• Add daily soluble fiber (e.g., oatmeal, chia/flax, or 1 tsp–1 Tbsp psyllium) to help bring LDL down. (This fits the cardioprotective pattern above.)
  
• Keep sodium modest (work toward 1,500–2,300 mg/day) by cooking more at home and scanning labels.
  
• Talk with your doctor about personal LDL/ApoB targets and whether coronary calcium imaging is appropriate for you.
  

If endothelial function looks stressed (for example, low arginine or homoarginine, or high ADMA/SDMA)

What it means: nitric-oxide availability may be low, and arteries may be less flexible.

What to do now:

• Eat nitrate-rich greens most days (rocket/arugula, spinach, beetroot) and keep oral hygiene sensible but avoid overusing antiseptic mouthwash that can block oral nitrate → nitrite conversion.
  
• Accumulate 150+ minutes/week of moderate activity plus 2 days of strength work; movement improves endothelial function.
  

If inflammation markers are up (for example, hsCRP, IL-6, TNF-α, MPO, PLAC, or oxLDL)

What it means: your artery environment is “hotter,” which accelerates plaque activity.

What to do now:

Center meals on plants, fiber, fish, and extra-virgin olive oil; trim alcohol and ultra-processed foods; work on sleep and stress skills; keep up with dental care, which can meaningfully affect systemic inflammation. 

If triglycerides run high or HDL is low

What it means: this often reflects insulin resistance or excess refined carbohydrate.

What to do now: pull back on sugary drinks, sweets, and refined grains; limit alcohol; add fish and fiber-rich carbs (beans, lentils, intact whole grains). 

If the Omega-3 Index is low

What it means: your long-term intake of EPA/DHA is likely low.

What to do now: get two servings of fatty fish weekly, and discuss EPA/DHA options with your clinician if you do not eat fish. 

If blood pressure looks sensitive (or your genetics point that way)

What it means: you may be salt-sensitive, and potassium-rich foods will help if your kidneys are healthy.

What to do now: reduce sodium toward 1,500–2,300 mg/day and intentionally add potassium-rich foods (leafy greens, beans, potatoes, yogurt, salmon, citrus). Always tailor potassium with your clinician if you have kidney issues. 

If NT-proBNP, troponin, D-dimer, or CK are abnormal

What it means: possible heart strain, injury, or active clotting.

What to do now: contact your clinician promptly for evaluation and next steps. These markers are not DIY.

How the process works

1. Order Cardio Zoomer (optionally add Cardio Genetics).
   
2. Collect samples: a standard venous blood draw and a small urine sample.

Your kit includes all required tubes (serum, EDTA, heparin, citrate) and a urine tube, each clearly labeled with step-by-step instructions for your phlebotomist.

Tip: Fast for at least 8 hours before collection, and schedule your draw Monday–Thursday to ensure the samples arrive promptly at Vibrant’s CLIA/CAP-certified lab.

3. (Optional) Complete the questionnaire to add context to your report
   
4. Review & plan: we translate dashboards into a stepwise plan (lifestyle first, nutrition and supplement recommendations)
   

Optional add-ons (case-by-case)

Hormone Zoomer, Gut Zoomer, Food Zoomers, Total Toxin, Micronutrient testing – these can be good options if you suspect multiple root cause reasons for your health issues.

These test can be ordered through the Planet Naturopath Vibrant Wellness Portal

What you’ll see at the end of the report

A Personalized Suggestions page (adaptogens, antioxidants, botanicals, nutrients, food sources) this is very comprehensive and not everything recommended is needed – we suggest working with your doctor or scheduling an appointment with Planet Naturopath to help guide you through the results..

Frequently asked questions

Is this a diagnostic test?

No. These tools support wellness decisions and risk discussions with your doctor; they’re performed in CLIA/CAP certified labs and can help understand your cardiovascular risk and the best steps for treatment and prevention.

How is the sample collected?

A standard venous blood draw plus a small urine sample (your kit includes step-by-step instructions and labeled tubes).

Can lifestyle still move the needle if I have genetic risks?

Yes. Genetics sets the baseline, but environment and habits drive most outcomes—that’s why we pair Zoomer (current biology) with Genetics (predisposition).

Ready to get started?

Bring any recent labs and your supplement/ medication list. We’ll decide together whether to start with Cardio Zoomer and add Cardio Genetics now or later, based on your history and health goals.