Our family’s eye-opening blood test results

Starting with this blog post, I’m committing to shorter write-ups that can be read (or listened to) in about 5 minutes. For broader topics, I’ll still provide in-depth posts as needed. In today’s post (#41), I discuss insights from targeted blood tests we conducted for my family and the actionable conclusions we reached. The key takeaway? We gained invaluable insights that led to focused discussions with doctors and meaningful next steps. I have emphasized the importance of self-advocacy in health—measuring the right parameters, interpreting results, and preparing for impactful conversations with your doctors. This post details how that approach was perfectly followed.

Why Did We Test?

We tested my wife and three kids (ages 18 to 24). While my wife gets annual blood tests, routine healthcare typically doesn’t measure all the clinically validated and relevant parameters unless symptoms are present. This is often due to insurance restrictions or doctors adhering strictly to protocol. If symptoms do arise, tests are usually limited to parameters directly related to those symptoms.

For young adults, annual blood tests aren’t standard unless covered by premium insurance or paid out-of-pocket. The assumption is that health risks are low at a young age, but this approach has two major flaws:

1. Individual Variability – Just because something is true at the population level doesn’t mean it applies to you.
2. Rising Metabolic Dysfunction – With more ultra-processed foods, lower activity levels, and higher stress, cardiovascular disease and diabetes are appearing at younger ages.

Since cardiovascular disease is often asymptomatic, testing the right parameters earlier is critical for prevention.

What Tests Did We Do?

We did an advanced lipid panel that included ApoB, Lp(a), Fasting Insulin in addition to the standard lipid parameters. We also measured the blood sugar and metabolic health panel, liver and kidney function parameters, thyroid function parameters, inflammation and cardiovascular health parameters, and their vitamin and mineral levels.

What Were The Observations?

As expected, most parameters were within range, but three key findings stood out—two of them major:

1. Lp(a) Levels: A Hidden Risk

Two of the four had high Lp(a) values, and a third had a very high Lp(a) level. Only one had an optimal value. Since Lp(a) is genetically determined, it makes sense that family members would share similar levels. However, the surprising part? I—the parent with heart disease—have an optimal Lp(a), while my kids (who were never tested before) are at a much higher risk. When a cardiologist sees such high Lp(a) values, they are absolutely going to take further action, but if it remains unknown to them, no action will be taken. Check your own Lp(a) values (and if you don’t have them, get them tested asap). If your Lp(a) is above 50 mg/dL, go see your PCP or your cardiologist, and if you get a “don’t worry about it” response, please find a new doctor or speak to the one at

(conflict of interest note: I founded it and brought aboard a team that helped get my health back on track).

2. A Concerning Lipid & Inflammation Profile

One of the them had, in addition to a very high Lp(a) value:
High LDL cholesterol & ApoB (a better predictor of heart disease than LDL)
Average HDL cholesterol
High homocysteine & hs-CRP (inflammation)

This profile strongly suggests that early intervention is necessary to prevent cardiovascular disease.

3. Widespread Vitamin D Deficiency

Three of the four had low Vitamin D levels. This was not surprising, as many South Asians have historically low Vitamin D. The only one with optimal levels? My wife—who had been supplementing based on past test results. Low Vitamin D can lead to weaker bones (osteoporosis, fractures), muscle weakness, immune dysfunction, increased inflammation, and higher risk of heart disease and depression. It’s also linked to poor insulin sensitivity, autoimmune diseases, and cognitive decline. Optimizing Vitamin D early can prevent many future health issues.

What Did Their Doctor Say?

With a clear understanding of the data and the rationale behind our takeaways, we spoke to their doctors to hear their views. Fortunately, all of them welcomed the discussion—no surprise, as we’ve intentionally chosen doctors who value constructive conversations over a “just follow orders” approach—and provided some very clear next steps:.

1. Calcium CT-Scan Ordered – One of them will undergo a Calcium CT scan to check for arterial calcification, given the combination of high Lp(a), elevated ApoB, and LDL levels. Depending on the results, this could lead to treatment with medications. Insurance would almost certainly not have paid for the scan without the test results.
2. Statins Prescribed – Two of the three will start statins due to a high-risk profile
3. Monitoring Another Case – All three will be closely monitored for heart disease.
4. Vitamin D Supplementation – The three family members with low Vitamin D will begin daily supplementation, which doesn’t require a prescription.

Key Takeaways

1. The first two of the above mentioned interventions wouldn’t have happened without us advocating for them—armed with the right data and the right conversation. Had we spoken to a doctor unwilling to engage in such discussions, these steps might not have been taken.
2. It’s never too early to get tested, and it’s never too early to act. No one becomes diabetic or develops heart disease overnight—it takes years to manifest. By measuring the right markers early and interpreting them correctly, you can take proactive steps to protect your health.

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