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TMAO blood test for heart health risk assessment and cardiovascular disease prevention

TMAO Blood Test for Heart Health and Cardiovascular Risk

TMAO (Trimethylamine N-Oxide)

  • Checks heart health risk levels.
  • Measures diet-related chemical levels.
  • Tests for gut bacteria activity.
First results as soon as overnight*

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're concerned about your heart health, especially if you have moderate or high risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It measures TMAO, a chemical produced by gut bacteria when you eat certain foods like red meat, eggs, and fish, which has been linked to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Many people use this test to better understand their cardiovascular risk beyond traditional cholesterol testing, particularly if they have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors.

How should I prepare for this test?

You should fast overnight before your blood draw, which means no food or drinks except water for 8-12 hours. It's also important to avoid eating fish and other seafood the day before your test, as these foods can temporarily elevate TMAO levels and may lead to inaccurate results. Take your test in the morning after fasting for best results.

What's included in this test?

This test measures TMAO (Trimethylamine N-oxide), a compound produced when gut bacteria break down certain nutrients found in red meat, eggs, and seafood. Elevated TMAO levels have been associated with increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other major cardiovascular events, making it a valuable marker for assessing heart disease risk beyond traditional cholesterol and lipid panels.

What happens after I get my results?
You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your TMAO levels mean for your heart health and cardiovascular risk. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary changes (particularly regarding red meat and animal products), gut health improvements through probiotics, and lifestyle modifications to support heart health. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your TMAO levels over time using our trends feature to see how dietary and lifestyle interventions are working.
Who should consider getting this test?
This test is particularly valuable for people with moderate to high cardiovascular disease risk, including those with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease. It's also useful for anyone looking to optimize their heart health through diet, especially those who consume a lot of red meat, eggs, or animal products, or individuals who want a more comprehensive picture of their cardiovascular risk beyond standard cholesterol testing.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
While TMAO itself doesn't cause specific symptoms, you might consider this test if you're experiencing signs that could indicate heart problems, such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath during activity, unusual fatigue, or if you have risk factors like being overweight, having high blood pressure, or diabetes. It's also worth considering if you have a family history of early heart disease or stroke, even if you feel fine now.
How can I naturally lower my TMAO levels?
Reducing your intake of red meat, egg yolks, and high-fat dairy products can help lower TMAO production since these foods contain compounds that gut bacteria convert to TMAO. Eating more plant-based foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, supports healthier gut bacteria. Taking probiotics or eating fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut may also help by promoting beneficial gut bacteria that don't produce as much TMAO.
What is TMAO and why does it matter for heart health?
TMAO is a compound created when gut bacteria digest certain nutrients found mainly in animal products like red meat, eggs, and seafood. Research has shown that high TMAO levels are associated with increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and cardiovascular death. It appears to promote inflammation and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), making it an important emerging marker for cardiovascular risk assessment.
What does high TMAO mean?
High TMAO levels suggest an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. Elevated levels may indicate that your gut bacteria are producing excess TMAO from your diet, or that your body isn't clearing it efficiently. This doesn't mean you'll definitely have heart problems, but it signals that dietary changes and heart health optimization should be prioritized.
How often should I retest my TMAO levels?
If you're making dietary changes to lower your TMAO, retesting in 3-6 months can help you see if your interventions are working. For ongoing cardiovascular risk monitoring, especially if you have other risk factors, testing every 6-12 months is reasonable. If your initial levels are normal and you maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle, annual testing or testing as part of your regular cardiovascular screening may be sufficient.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
  3. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
  4. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
  5. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
  6. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes.

We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

You get clinical lab reports & simplified health insights.
Save time & gas, go straight to the lab. Our doctors cover the rest.
Results start landing the next day after your lab visit.*
We don’t sell or share your data. Your time & privacy matter.
US-licensed doctors have your back if things get unclear.
No hidden fees, nice discounts for regular checkups.
Save a trip to the doctor, go directly to the lab
Instant orders, results often overnight*
Results explained in simple language
Reviewed by US licensed doctors
Fast & confidential, we never sell or share your data
No insurance needed, transparent pricing
Demo results
TMAO (Trimethylamine N-oxide) 8.2 µmol/L
Demo results
Lower Risk < 6.2 Higher Risk ≥ 6.2
8.2 µmol/L

What this means

Your TMAO level is elevated, which may indicate increased cardiovascular risk. Higher TMAO levels have been associated with greater risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiac events. This suggests your gut bacteria may be producing excess TMAO from your current diet, particularly from red meat, eggs, or high-fat animal products.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
Here’s how easy it is to get blood work done on your terms
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Book an appointment Visit any of our 4,000 nearby lab locations to have your samples collected. Book or walk-in
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Get results Receive a clear, easy-to-digest health report by email & SMS within a few business days. Get answers, fast

TMAO Blood Test for Heart Health and Cardiovascular Risk

  • Checks heart health risk levels.
  • Measures diet-related chemical levels.
  • Tests for gut bacteria activity.
Still got questions? Text our super-cool support team at 754-799-7833 to get help finding your ideal checkup.

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