Why Biomarkers Matter
Biomarkers are the objective truth about your biology. Unlike subjective feelings of health, biomarkers provide concrete data points that can be tracked, optimized, and used to predict future health outcomes.
The Language of the Body
Your body is constantly sending signals about its state of health. Biomarkers are how we translate those signals into actionable information.
A biomarker can be:
- A measurement (VO2 Max, heart rate variability)
- A blood value (ApoB, glucose, inflammatory markers)
- A physical metric (grip strength, body composition)
The key is knowing which biomarkers matter most and what the optimal ranges are—not just the “normal” ranges from standard lab reports.
Foundational Biomarkers
These are the core metrics that everyone should understand and track. They provide a comprehensive view of cardiovascular fitness, metabolic health, and overall vitality.
- VO2 Max: The single best predictor of all-cause mortality. Your body’s capacity to use oxygen during exercise.
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV): A window into your autonomic nervous system and recovery capacity.
- Resting Heart Rate: A simple but powerful indicator of cardiovascular efficiency.
- SpO2 (Blood Oxygen): Oxygen saturation levels and what they reveal about respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Advanced Biomarkers
For those ready to go deeper, these markers provide insight into cardiovascular risk, metabolic dysfunction, and cellular aging.
- ApoB: The most accurate measure of atherogenic particles—better than LDL-C for predicting cardiovascular disease.
- Lp(a): A genetically determined cardiovascular risk factor that most doctors don’t test.
Using Biomarkers Effectively
- Establish baselines: Get comprehensive testing before making changes
- Track trends: Single measurements matter less than direction over time
- Optimize, don’t just normalize: Aim for optimal ranges, not just “within normal limits”
- Context matters: Interpret results alongside lifestyle, symptoms, and other markers
See Measurement for tools and protocols for tracking these biomarkers.