Longevity Diagnostics:
A Proactive Client Guide
Most healthcare is reactive.
It waits for problems before treating them.
A longevity model is different.
We use data-driven diagnostics to detect risks early and guide preventative action across five key health domains:
1. Cardiovascular Health
2. Metabolic Function
3. Physical Fitness & Body Composition
4. Cognitive & Neurological Health
5. Cancer Risk & Screening
Below you'll find the key tests, why they matter, what healthy looks like, and targeted interventions we may employ for each domain.
1. Cardiovascular Risk
Heart disease remains the #1 cause of preventable death. Many people have advanced plaque or dysfunction without symptoms. Early detection can prevent events like heart attacks before they happen.
ApoB / LDL-P
What it is:
Measures the number of atherogenic cholesterol particles (the ones that form plaque).
Why it matters:
This is a better predictor of heart disease than total cholesterol.
Optimal Range: ApoB: < 80 mg/dL (high risk); < 90 mg/dL (general), LDL-P: < 1000 nmol/L
Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score
What it is:
CT scan that detects plaque buildup in your coronary arteries.
Why it matters:
The most accurate way to know if you already have silent heart disease.
Optimal Score: 0 = ideal; 1-100 = mild; >100 = elevated risk
Lp(a)
What it is:
A genetically inherited form of LDL that's especially sticky and dangerous.
Why it matters:
Standard cholesterol tests miss this. It significantly raises heart risk.
Optimal Range: < 30 mg/dL
High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)
What it is:
Measures low-grade inflammation throughout the body.
Why it matters: Chronic inflammation contributes to plaque instability and vascular damage.
Optimal Range: < 1.0 mg/L = low risk; > 3.0 = high risk
Cardiovascular Interventions:
- Mediterranean or anti-inflammatory diet
- Regular aerobic exercise (especially Zone 2 cardio)
- Statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors (for high ApoB)
- Stress reduction (CRP)
- Omega-3 supplements
2. Metabolic & Insulin Sensitivity
Metabolic dysfunction-especially insulin resistance-is behind many chronic conditions: obesity, diabetes, PCOS, fatty liver, even cancer and dementia.
Fasting Insulin
What it is:
Measures insulin levels after fasting.
Why it matters: It often rises years before glucose changes, indicating early insulin resistance.
Optimal Range: 2-6 uIU/mL
HOMA-IR
What it is:
An index calculated from fasting insulin and glucose.
Why it matters: Estimates how resistant your cells are to insulin.
Optimal Range: < 1.0 = ideal; > 2.9 = significantly resistant
OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test)
What it is:
Measures how quickly your body clears sugar after drinking it.
Why it matters:
Reveals prediabetes and blood sugar dysfunction not seen on fasting tests.
Optimal Result: < 140 mg/dL at 2 hr
CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor)
What it is:
A small wearable sensor that continuously tracks your blood sugar.
Why it matters:
Reveals daily fluctuations, spikes, and hidden dysregulation.
Ideal Trends: 70-110 mg/dL most of day; < 140 mg/dL post-meal
HbA1c
What it is:
Reflects your average blood sugar over the last 2-3 months.
Why it matters:
Useful for long-term glucose trends.
Optimal Range: < 5.3%
Metabolic Interventions:
- Intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating
- High-protein, low-glycemic diet
- Strength training
- GLP-1 agonists (e.g. semaglutide) if overweight/pre-diabetic
- Metformin or berberine (case-dependent)
3. Physical Fitness & Body Composition
Cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle mass are two of the strongest predictors of lifespan and independence in older age.
VO2 Max
What it is:
Maximal oxygen use during exercise.
Why it matters:
Higher VO2 max = lower mortality risk.
Optimal Ranges: Men: > 40-50 ml/kg/min; Women: > 35-45
DEXA Scan
What it is:
Measures fat mass, lean muscle, bone density, and visceral (abdominal) fat.
Why it matters:
Shows risk of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and hidden metabolic syndrome.
Goals: Visceral fat < 1 kg; T-score >= -1; High lean mass
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)
What it is:
Measures how many calories your body burns at rest.
Why it matters:
Guides personalized nutrition planning.
Typical Range: 1300-2000 kcal/day
Physical Balance Interventions:
- Resistance training (2-4x/week minimum)
- Zone 2 cardio
- Protein intake: 1.6-2.2g per kg of body weight
- Calcium, vitamin D, creatine, strength balance training (for bones)
4. Cognitive & Neurological Health
Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia begin decades before symptoms appear. The longevity approach aims to delay or prevent decline entirely through proactive screening and cognitive support.
MRI with Volumetrics
What it is:
Brain imaging to assess size of hippocampus and other key regions.
Why it matters:
Detects early brain shrinkage before memory issues start.
Interpretation: Compared against age-adjusted norms.
APOE Genotype
What it is:
Genetic marker that influences Alzheimer's risk.
Why it matters:
Knowing your status helps tailor early prevention.
Risk Profiles: 3/3 = normal; 3/4 or 4/4 = increased risk
Neurocognitive Testing
What it is:
Tests memory, processing speed, executive function, attention.
Why it matters:
Baseline testing helps track brain health over time.
Cognitive Interventions:
- Prioritize deep, high-quality sleep
- Mental stimulation: learning, games, creativity
- MIND or Mediterranean-style diet
- Omega-3s, magnesium threonate, creatine (case-by-case)
- CBT for insomnia or stress, if needed
5. Cancer Risk & Screening
Most cancers are far more treatable-if caught early. This approach uses advanced imaging to detect abnormalities before they cause symptoms.
Whole-Body MRI
What it is:
A non-invasive scan that screens the entire body for tumors or anomalies.
Why it matters:
Can detect early-stage cancers that typical screens miss.
Colonoscopy
What it is:
Camera-based colon exam to detect or remove polyps.
Why it matters:
Prevents colorectal cancer before it starts.
Frequency: Every 5-10 years; earlier for high risk
Prostate MRI + PSA
What it is:
PSA is a blood marker; MRI gives a more detailed view.
Why it matters:
Early, accurate detection of prostate issues.
Optimal PSA: < 1.5 ng/mL under age 60
Interventions if elevated risk:
- High-fiber diet for colon support
- Avoid processed meats, excessive alcohol, and smoking
- Hormone regulation for sex-hormone-sensitive cancers
- Liquid biopsy tests (Galleri, etc.) in specific high-risk cases
- Lifestyle: exercise, sleep, inflammation reduction
longevity diagnostics aim to identify risks decades before symptoms and to empower action.
When combined with tailored medical, lifestyle, and psychological support, these tests are not just data points, they're doorways to real change.
Longevity isn't about living forever.
It's about living better.