Here’s what we’ll cover in this blog post:
- How to prepare for your blood draw
- How to read your Core Longevity Panel
- What your results mean
So, you’ve just taken a step towards optimizing your long-term health by taking a Core Longevity Panel. What’s next?
If you’ve just received your results, you may be asking yourself, “How do I read my results? What do these ranges mean?”
Don’t worry, we’ll walk through everything to do with your Core Longevity Panel from start to finish, so you can be an expert of your own health.
Schedule and Take Your Blood Test
The first thing you should do after ordering your Core Longevity Panel is to schedule your blood test.
In case you haven’t already completed your blood draw, here’s a quick checklist to help you prepare:
- Schedule your blood draw ✅
- Print your lab requisition form ✅
- Don’t eat or drink anything except water for at least 8 hours before blood draw ✅
- Arrive at the lab and check in ✅
- Provide your lab requisition form ✅
- Instruct the lab to bill the client directly if asked for insurance ✅
- Take your blood draw ✅
How to Read Your Core Longevity Panel
Once you’ve completed your blood draw, you should receive your results within 1-2 weeks. You will receive both an easy-to-read report directly in your portal of your most critical test results and a full PDF readout of your test results from the lab.
On your portal, you’ll see your results and a range of how your results compare to optimal levels. Green means you are within the optimal range for that biomarker. Yellow or red indicates that your results are either lower or higher than what is considered optimal.
Please note that being out of range for any of these values does not necessarily indicate that you’re at risk, or even that you’re unhealthy: these are simply comparative values to what healthcare experts have associated with the average range for optimal health, to give you a sense of where to focus your efforts in your longevity journey.
Here’s how to read your Core Longevity Panel results:
Total Cholesterol
What it is
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in every cell. Total cholesterol is a major indicator of heart health and includes counts of well-known types of cholesterol like LDL and HDL. Higher results indicate a higher risk for narrowed or blocked arteries, which could lead to heart disease like atherosclerosis.
Experts disagree on the healthy range of total cholesterol—some suggest that any result under 200mg/dl is healthy, while others claim that anything over 150mg/dl is unhealthy.
We err on the side of caution and suggest a healthy range of under 160mg/dl. You may notice that the full lab results indicate a higher range of under 200mg/dl. Though very rare, anything below 40mg/dl is also considered low cholesterol.
- Healthy: 40-160mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter)
- High: >160mg/dl
- Low: <40mg/dl
How to improve your levels
The best way to lower your total cholesterol is through a combination of diet, lifestyle, and medication or supplements.
Eat foods low in saturated and trans fats, while prioritizing fresh fruits and vegetables. Exercise regularly, at least 150 minutes per week, and try to keep your stress levels to a minimum by taking time to do the things you love. If necessary, Atorvastatin is a simple, once-daily medication designed to lower total cholesterol, while the Heart Health Pack contains ingredients like Berberine and Aged Garlic that have been shown to lower cholesterol levels.
Triglycerides
What it is
Another critical heart health marker, triglycerides are a type of fat found in blood that helps to distribute fat and glucose from the liver. While low levels are typically not cause for concern, high levels can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Healthy: <100mg/dl
- High: >100mg/dl
How to improve your levels
If your levels are only slightly out of range, try to eat a heart healthy diet of fatty fish, which can naturally lower triglycerides, as well as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. Regular exercise and stress-relieving habits may also help.
Higher triglyceride levels may require medication to lower reliably. Experts have found that Metformin may help lower triglyceride levels, while Atorvastatin has also been found to reduce triglyceride levels, while GLP-1 medications are being explored for their potential to lower triglycerides. Your prescriber will help you find the right solution if medication is necessary.
LDL Cholesterol (LDL-C)
What it is
LDL is a type of cholesterol that transports other cholesterol from the liver to the rest of your body, where cells break it down to build and maintain their structures.
The lower your LDL, the lower your risk for heart disease. Though LDL gets a negative reputation as the “bad” cholesterol, we still need some LDL to sustain cellular function. Still, there’s no value that experts recognize as being too low for LDL.
- Healthy: <100mg/dl
- High: >100mg/dl
How to improve your levels
LDL cholesterol is included in your total cholesterol count, and so it can be lowered using the same strategies we would use to lower total cholesterol.
Avoid fatty, greasy foods and refined carbs in favor of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and be sure to get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week. High stress can increase cholesterol, so keeping your stress levels low may also help. Atorvastatin’s primary effect is on LDL cholesterol, while the Heart Health Pack can lower LDL cholesterol with Berberine and Aged Garlic.
HDL Cholesterol (HDL-C)
What it is
HDL is another type of cholesterol that serves as a dramatic foil to LDL: where LDL carries cholesterol out of the liver, HDL carries it back into the liver to break down, eliminating unnecessary cholesterol from the body.
This helps reduce plaque buildup in arteries, which is why HDL gets its reputation as the “good” cholesterol, and why higher levels are considered more optimal.
- Healthy: 60-100mg/dl
- High: >100mg/dl
- Low: <60mg/dl
How to improve your levels
Though HDL cholesterol is a type of cholesterol, our goal isn’t to keep our HDL levels low—it’s to keep our HDL levels balanced. Fortunately, the same heart healthy habits that help lower bad cholesterol may also help boost good cholesterol.
Try to follow a heart healthy diet rich in fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while maintaining regular exercise and stress-relieving practices. If medication is necessary, Atorvastatin has been shown to balance HDL cholesterol while lowering unhealthy cholesterol.
ApoB
What it is
Short for apolipoprotein-B, ApoB is one of the strongest predictors of heart disease risk. Lipoproteins transport fats and other compounds across the blood to help cells function properly, and ApoB is no different. What makes ApoB unique, though, is that it only carries lipids that have a bad reputation, like LDL.
That’s why ApoB is a better predictor of heart disease than LDL alone: while LDL only measures the amount of cholesterol content, ApoB provides an accurate measurement of the total number of LDL particles in blood. This means ApoB can accurately reflect the risk for individuals with normal LDL levels, who are still at higher risk from having more LDL particles overall.
- Healthy: <80mg/dl
- High: >80mg/dl
How to improve your levels
A heart healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress-relieving activities are key to keeping your ApoB levels low. Atorvastatin can help lower ApoB by balancing cholesterol levels, while Metformin may help downregulate genes that encode ApoB. Some GLP-1 medications have also shown promise in reducing ApoB levels.
Lipoprotein(a)
What it is
Lp(a) is a type of LDL particle that has helped give LDL its bad reputation. It causes increased plaque buildup in arteries and a higher risk of artery wall buildup. Like ApoB, Lp(a) has become a valuable heart health marker because it gives a more accurate account of heart disease risk than LDL alone.
- Healthy: <72 nmol/L (nanomoles per liter)
- High: >72 nmol/L
How to improve your levels
Lp(a) can be tricky to keep in check. Our genes determine our Lp(a) levels, which may slowly rise with age if we eat poorly or exercise too little. But there’s no lifestyle choices or medications shown to reduce Lp(a) level. The best thing to do is to seek early testing and control other heart health risk factors—and you’re already one step ahead.
HbA1c
What it is
HbA1c is a type of test (a hemoglobin A1c test) that measures the average amount of glucose attached to blood cells.
Glucose attaches to blood cells to catch a ride to where they need to go—to deliver energy to cells throughout the body. But when we have too much glucose in the body, it stays attached to cells without going anywhere, leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and eventually diabetes.
HbA1c tests provide a long-term measurement of your average blood sugar levels over the last several months. This makes it a more valuable predictor of metabolic health than glucose tests alone, and a more accurate indicator of chronically high blood sugar.
- Healthy: 4.5-5.5%
- High: >5.5%
How to improve your levels
HbA1c measures glucose, and the best way to reduce glucose levels is to avoid carbohydrates in the foods we eat.
Regular exercise helps the body burn glucose for energy, but if we still eat large amounts of carbs, we’re just putting that glucose back in. Stress can activate hormones like cortisol, which can increase glucose levels, so staying stress-free through meditation and other stress-relieving activities can also help.
Metformin is FDA approved to lower blood sugar levels as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, but healthy people can also take Metformin to lower their glucose. GLP-1 medications are also designed to lower glucose levels.
Glucose
What it is
Glucose is blood sugar, full stop. The higher your blood sugar levels, the more glucose is floating around in your blood with no place to go.
Glucose signals the pancreas to release insulin, which then transports glucose to the rest of our cells for energy. But when we have too much glucose in our blood, our cells can’t use it all, sending a false alarm to the pancreas. After too many false alarms, our insulin stops responding as diligently, leading to insulin resistance and eventually diabetes.
The jury is out on an accepted healthy range for glucose. That’s why we air on the side of caution and display a more restrictive healthy range than what you might find from a doctor’s test or lab results.
- Healthy: 65-90mg/dl
- High: >90mg/dl
- Low: <65mg/dl
How to improve your levels
When it comes to glucose, it often comes back to the carbohydrates we eat. To lower your glucose, simply try to reduce the amount of carbohydrates in your diet. Exercise and stress management can also help lower your glucose, while Metformin and GLP-1 medications are designed for glucose control.
hs-CRP
What it is
hs-CRP is a test that measures C-reactive protein (CRP), a protein released by the liver in response to inflammation.
Like cholesterol and glucose, we need some inflammation to help fight disease and infections. But too much inflammation can damage healthy tissues and organs over time, contributing to a host of age-related diseases.
C-reactive protein measures the body’s response to inflammation. Higher levels suggest that your body is fighting higher levels of inflammation.
- Healthy: 0-1.3
- High: >1.3
How to improve your levels
C-reactive protein responds to inflammation, so we shouldn’t be focused on lowering CRP—we should focus on lowering inflammation.
Leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, fruits, and whole grains are all anti-inflammatory foods that can help lower CRP.
How to Read Your Lab Report and Other Levels
Your Core Longevity Panel also includes several other blood panels that measure many more biomarkers, including a complete blood count and a comprehensive metabolic panel.
These provide an extensive overview of the biomarkers that form your overall health. The story they tell shows your healthcare providers how your organs and cells are responding to lifestyle factors and other external stressors.
To find your lab report, simply click the results.pdf link at the top right of your AgelessRx report.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelet Count
A complete blood count (CBC) evaluates 14 different blood markers—including red and white blood cell count, platelets, and lymphocytes—to assess overall inflammation, immune function, blood cell production, and nutrient status.
White Blood Cells (WBC)
Cells of the immune system that defend the body against infection and disease.
Red Blood Cells (RBC)
Cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues and remove carbon dioxide.
Hemoglobin
The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that binds and transports oxygen.
Hematocrit
The percentage of blood composed of red blood cells.
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
The average volume (size) of red blood cells.
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)
The average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell.
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
The average concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
A measure of the variation in size (volume) of red blood cells.
Platelets
Cell fragments involved in clotting and wound repair, high levels may indicate inflammation.
Neutrophils
The most abundant type of white blood cells, crucial in fighting bacterial infections. Elevated levels indicate inflammation, lower levels indicate immunosuppression.
Lymphocytes (Lymphs)
White blood cells involved in adaptive immunity. Elevated in viral infections, low levels occur with aging and immunodeficiency.
Monocytes
A type of white blood cell produced in the bone marrow that is vital for fighting infections. Elevated levels may indicate infection or high inflammation.
Eosinophil (Eos)
White blood cells involved in allergy and parasite defense. Elevated in asthma, allergies, or parasitic infections.
Basophils (Basos)
White blood cells involved in allergic reactions and histamine release. Elevated in allergies or chronic inflammation.
Immature Granulocytes
White blood cells in an early stage of development that help fight infection. Elevated levels may indicate bone marrow conditions.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
A CMP shows how your body uses food and energy, and what impact that may have on your overall metabolic health, including how your kidneys and liver function and whether you’re at risk for metabolic disorders like prediabetes.
BUN
Measures the amount of CO₂ in the blood, which helps maintain pH balance. Abnormal levels can indicate issues with lung or kidney function.
Creatinine
A waste product from muscle metabolism, filtered out by the kidneys. High levels suggest reduced kidney function or kidney disease.
eGFR
A calculated value that reflects how well your kidneys filter blood. Lower levels may suggest impaired kidney function or kidney disease.
BUN/creatine ratio
The ratio of BUN to creatinine in the blood, used to distinguish between different causes of kidney dysfunction (dehydration, age-related kidney decline, or disease).
Sodium
A key electrolyte that helps regulate blood pressure, blood volume, muscle, and nerve function. Abnormal levels can signal dehydration, kidney issues, or hormonal imbalances.
Potassium
An essential mineral involved in heart rhythm, muscle function, and nerve signaling. High and low levels can cause serious cardiac and muscular symptoms.
Chloride
An electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, acid-base balance, and blood pressure. Imbalances may suggest dehydration, accelerated kidney aging, or metabolic acidosis.
Carbon Dioxide, Total
Measures the amount of CO₂ in the blood, which helps maintain pH balance. Abnormal levels can indicate issues with lung or kidney function as well as metabolic disturbances.
Calcium
A vital mineral that plays a central role in bone health, muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting. Abnormal levels may signal issues with bone metabolism, kidney function, or hormonal imbalances.
Protein
A measure of the total amount of protein in your blood, including albumin, globulin, and hemoglobin—all of which are critical for overall body and cellular health.
Albumin
A protein that shows liver and kidney function, Albumin helps maintain blood volume and pressure while carrying crucial hormones, vitamins, and enzymes throughout the body.
Globulin
A protein produced by the liver that plays critical roles in fighting infections and stimulating blood clots. High levels can suggest liver damage and disease.
Bilirubin
A yellow compound produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Elevated levels may indicate liver dysfunction, excess oxidative stress, and inflammation.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
An enzyme found in the liver and bones. Often elevated in postmenopausal women, levels may reflect bone disorders that are early signs of osteopenia and frailty.
AST (SGOT)
An enzyme found in several organs, including the liver, heart, and muscles. Elevated AST can indicate liver stress and fibrosis.
ALT (SGPT)
An enzyme primarily found in the liver. High levels often signal liver cell injury, inflammation, or fatty liver disease.
What If My Results Are in the Red?
Don’t worry! The Core Longevity Panel is like a trail of breadcrumbs rather than writing on the wall. It’s not a sign that you have or may develop a disease. It’s just an indication of where you can best focus your efforts on your longevity journey.
If any of your results are suboptimal, start by contacting your prescriber on your AgelessRx portal, and reach out to your primary care physician, who can direct you to any lifestyle or medical interventions that may help stabilize your levels, starting with recommendations you can find on our website.
From there, build your plan, integrate your new lifestyle recommendations into your weekly schedule, and see which longevity interventions are right for you. After 6 months, try taking the Core Longevity Panel again to see how much you’ve improved!
With the Core Longevity Panel, you have a greatest-hits selection of the most critical biomarkers for your unique health profile, like a Spotify playlist for your longevity. This way, you can take control of your health and optimize the biomarkers that matter most to you, so you can spend more time enjoying the extra years you’ve gained.
Note: The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.