New blood tests could pinpoint heart and stroke risk

Doctors say Lp(a) and ApoB can sharpen prevention—insurance coverage still evolving.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:53pm

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Doctors in Waco, Texas are now using two new blood tests, Lipoprotein Little A (Lp(a)) and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), to better assess a patient's long-term and current risk for heart disease and stroke. These tests provide a clearer picture beyond just traditional risk factors like age, weight, and family history. While heart specialists have already been using these tests, new guidance is encouraging primary care doctors to add them as well.

Why it matters

These new blood tests can give patients a more accurate understanding of their heart and stroke risk, empowering them to make necessary lifestyle changes to improve their health outcomes. However, insurance coverage for one of the tests is still being worked out, which could impact access and affordability for some patients.

The details

The Lp(a) test measures a person's lifetime risk for heart disease and stroke, while the ApoB test reflects their current risk. According to Dr. Tim Martindale of Martindale Family Medicine Clinic, these tests have been very helpful for his patients in determining how much effort they should put into improving their health.

  • The new blood tests require a simple blood draw, with results back in a few days.

The players

Dr. Tim Martindale

A doctor at Martindale Family Medicine Clinic in Waco, Texas who has been using the new Lp(a) and ApoB blood tests to assess his patients' heart and stroke risk.

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What they’re saying

“'How much of this is worth me putting effort into it? If you tell me my risk is high, okay, I'm changing my life, because I do not want some crisis happening when I have a future I wish for. You know? So I think it's extremely helpful.'”

— Dr. Tim Martindale, Doctor

The takeaway

These new blood tests provide a more comprehensive way for doctors to evaluate a patient's heart and stroke risk, empowering them to take proactive steps to improve their health. However, the ongoing insurance coverage issues for one of the tests could limit access for some patients.