what blood tests should I ask my PCP for?

To know more about your internal health and make informed decisions about your lifestyle and healthcare, you can consider asking your primary care physician for the following blood tests:

1. Cholesterol levels
2. C-reactive protein (CRP) for inflammation
3. Blood sugar levels
4. HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) which reflects average glucose levels over several months

Getting these tests done can enable tracking of important health metrics over time. If you're unable to get comprehensive testing through your doctor due to insurance constraints, there are companies like InsideTracker that offer affordable testing options you could use a couple of times a year and share with your doctor 1. Always remember to have open discussions with your healthcare provider about your desire to monitor your health more closely to make the most of your doctor's visits.

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) testing is indeed valuable, as highlighted by Peter Attia during his discussion with Andrew Huberman. Dr. Attia recommends measuring ApoB for a better assessment of heart health, and suggests that it should be done early in life, especially if there is a family history of heart disease. He would have ideally had his ApoB measured in his twenties, knowing what he does now 1.

ApoB is a protein that is part of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) particles, and its levels are predictive of cardiovascular function and disease, which can also affect brain health and longevity 2. The number of ApoB particles is more predictive of cardiovascular risk than the cholesterol content within them, making it a more pertinent measurement than just LDL cholesterol levels 3. Therefore, it's a good idea to discuss ApoB testing with your primary care physician to monitor cardiovascular health.

For men interested in comprehensive blood analysis, Andrew Huberman along with various experts, has discussed the essential blood tests and their significance. Here’s a summary of the recommended tests and their importance:

1. Hormone Profiles: Checking hormone levels like testosterone and thyroid hormones can offer insights into general well-being and detect potential hormonal imbalances. 1 2

2. Lipid Profiles: Tests like cholesterol levels are crucial for assessing cardiovascular health. Regular monitoring can help in managing risks associated with heart disease. 1

3. ApoB: This is specific for assessing cardiovascular risks more accurately than traditional cholesterol tests. 1

4. Liver Function Tests: Important for overall health as the liver is responsible for various critical metabolic functions. 3

   Male Reproductive Health

   Andrew Huberman

   Michael Eisenberg

   Andrew and Michael discuss the importance of self-screening for reproductive health, the challenges of accessing affordable testing, and the potential for insurance coverage. They emphasize the need for men to be proactive in assessing their fertility and debunk the misconception that ejaculating means healthy sperm.

   

   Huberman Lab

   Dr. Michael Eisenberg: Improving Male Sexual Health, Function & Fertility

   Explore similar conversationsView full episode summary

   1

   2

   3

   4

5. Fasting Insulin and HOMA-IR: These tests assess insulin resistance and potential pre-diabetic conditions. 3

6. Semen Analysis: Recommended for assessing reproductive health and male fertility. 1

7. Metabolic Markers: Include tests like uric acid, GGT, and liver function to monitor metabolic health and detect early signs of metabolic syndrome. 3

8. Inflammatory Markers: Tests like high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) can help in detecting low-grade inflammation, which is linked to several chronic diseases. 3

Andrew Huberman stresses that men should start regular blood work as early as possible, ideally beginning at age 18, and maintain this periodically to track their health over the years 4. Consider discussing these tests with a healthcare provider, who can tailor the recommendations based on individual health needs and family history.