Qualy #6 - What are the best lab tests to request specifically for longevity

Today's episode of The Qualys is from podcast <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/ama01/">#04 – AMA #1: alcohol, best lab tests, wearables, finding the right doc, racing, and more</a>. The Qualys is a subscriber-exclusive podcast, released Tuesday through Friday, and published exclusively on our private, subscriber-only podcast feed. Qualys is short-hand for "qualifying round," which are typically the fastest laps driven in a race car—done before the race to determine starting position on the grid for race day. The Qualys are short (i.e., "fast"), typically less than ten minutes, and highlight the best questions, topics, and tactics discussed on The Drive. Learn more: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/podcast/qualys/">https://peterattiamd.com/podcast/qualys/</a> Subscribe to receive access to all episodes of The Qualys (and other exclusive subscriber-only content): <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/">https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/</a> Connect with Peter on <a href="http://facebook.com/PeterAttiaMD%5dFacebook">Facebook.com/PeterAttiaMD</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/PeterAttiaMD%5dTwitter">Twitter.com/PeterAttiaMD</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/PeterAttiaMD%5dInstagram">Instagram.com/PeterAttiaMD</a>

Actionable Insights

1. Prioritize Insulin Monitoring

Do not solely rely on fasting glucose levels; instead, prioritize measuring insulin, especially postprandial levels, for a more accurate assessment of metabolic health and to minimize hyperinsulinemia, which is toxic to the endothelium and linked to cancer risk.

2. Comprehensive CVD Blood Markers

Monitor specific blood markers for cardiovascular disease risk, including Lp(a), LDL particle number, VLDL, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, oxLDL, Lp-PLA2, ox phospholipid, homocysteine, ADMA, and SDMA.

3. Improve Cardiometabolic Profile for AD

Improve your cardiometabolic profile and glucose utilization to reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk, as it shares vascular and metabolic components with cardiovascular disease and cancer.

4. Age-Specific CVD Screening

Younger individuals (e.g., 40-year-olds) should prioritize blood tests for cardiovascular risk assessment, while older individuals should rely more on CT angiograms as blood tests become less informative and calcium scores less relevant.

5. Assess Alzheimer’s APOE Genotype

Assess your APOE genotype to determine your risk bucket (low, medium, high) for Alzheimer’s disease.

6. Prepare for OGTT on Low-Carb

If you are on a ketogenic or very carbohydrate-restricted diet, refeed with 150 grams of carbohydrates (e.g., rice, potatoes) for about three days before an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) to prevent falsely elevated glucose and insulin results.

7. Limited Cancer Blood Test Insight

Understand that current standard blood tests provide limited insight into cancer risk, with exceptions for specific genetic mutations like BRCA or Lynch.

8. General Longevity Risk Assessment

Utilize blood tests to assess overall risk for atherosclerotic disease (heart disease/stroke), cancer, and neurodegenerative disease.

9. Access Qualies Podcast Content

Subscribe to the Qualies podcast for short, high-value episodes highlighting tactics from ‘The Drive,’ and visit peteratmd.com/subscribe for exclusive content.

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For very high-risk Alzheimer’s patients, consider referral to a dedicated high-risk clinic, such as Richard Isaacson’s at Cornell, for specialized testing like lumbar punctures if cognitive tests warrant it.