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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death in the UK, affecting millions of lives each year. While many factors contribute to CVD risk, one crucial biomarker that has gained significant attention in recent years is apolipoprotein B, or ApoB. This article will explore the importance of ApoB in assessing cardiovascular health and discuss lifestyle interventions that can help manage ApoB levels.

Every winter, from approximately mid-October through to mid-February, sun exposure in the UK is not sufficient for our bodies to produce adequate Vitamin D. Throughout these winter months, supplementation becomes all the more important. However, data from Thriva user’s health profiles show that 1 in 3 users are not taking supplements, meaning they are potentially at risk of low Vitamin D levels.

At Thriva, we want to give our users as much insight into their health as possible - and we think community data is a powerful part of that. In 2024 we processed over 30,000 blood tests, and we're excited to showcase some key insights connecting the results to controllable lifestyle factors.

When it comes to achieving health goals, good intentions often aren't enough. Enter implementation intentions: a powerful psychological tool that bridges the gap between what we want to do and actually doing it. This strategy, developed by psychologist Peter Gollwitzer, transforms vague intentions into specific plans using simple 'if-then' statements.

WOOP - which stands for Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan - represents a powerful mental strategy developed by psychologist Gabriele Oettingen. Unlike pure positive thinking, WOOP combines optimistic thinking with a realistic assessment of obstacles, creating a more effective approach to goal achievement.

Normally, your body produces antibodies (a type of blood protein) to protect itself from foreign substances —  like bacteria, toxins or viruses. But sometimes your body mistakenly produces antibodies that attack healthy parts. Thyroid antibodies are an example of this — the presence of thyroid antibodies is a sign of possible thyroid disease.

Ever noticed how some people seem to maintain their health routines effortlessly? The secret might lie in a technique called habit stacking - a powerful approach that could transform your health journey without requiring overwhelming willpower or dramatic lifestyle overhauls.

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes severe pain in your joints — this can be due to a build-up of high uric acid levels in your blood. If you have gout, testing your uric acid levels can help you monitor your long-term joint and kidney health. There are many ways to lower your risk of developing gout — from adopting a healthy lifestyle to checking your uric acid levels.

Even if your blood test results fall within the "normal" range, they might not be truly optimal for your health and longevity. Thriva’s optimal ranges are developed through a thorough review of the latest scientific research and clinical guidelines. These ranges are continually updated by our clinical team to ensure they reflect the best available evidence. Our goal is to provide more insight into your health by helping you see whether your results sit in ranges associated with the lowest risk of disease and mortality.

Liver cirrhosis is permanent scarring on your liver. This happens as a result of long-term damage to your liver — most commonly caused by hepatitis and alcohol misuse. There are typically 2 stages of liver cirrhosis, but you can prevent it from getting worse if you start treatment quickly. Liver cirrhosis can be prevented by limiting how much alcohol you drink and other healthy lifestyle habits.

Your liver is an organ that plays a role in over 500 functions in your body. You can check your liver health with a home blood test. Alcohol, being overweight, an unhealthy diet, and certain medications can affect your liver health.

Albumin is a protein made by your liver that helps your body grow and repair. It helps carry vital nutrients and hormones around your body. It also prevents fluid from leaking out of your blood vessels and into other tissues. An albumin test is a good overall indicator of your liver and kidney health.

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in your bile. It’s a by-product made when your red blood cells break down. Usually, your body removes bilirubin from the bloodstream via your liver. Then, it's converted into a substance that passes through your poo, giving it its brown colour. Learn more about the normal ranges and how to check your levels. 

Drinking alcohol affects almost every part of your body — particularly your brain, liver, heart, and skin. The more you drink, the greater the effect it has on your body. Drinking the occasional glass of wine with dinner isn’t a cause for concern. But if you drink a lot over a long time, it can significantly affect your health and lead to long-term conditions.

Your liver, an organ found in your abdomen, produces a variety of enzymes to help it carry out its many functions. Measuring your liver enzymes is a useful way to check your liver function and health. A blood test is used to test your liver health and liver enzymes.

Health tracking has become a normal part of everyday life. You can learn about your risk of health conditions, sleep patterns, mood, heart rate, daily steps, menstrual cycle, and diet at the tap of a button. But what’s the benefit of having access to all of this information? Can it improve behaviours that affect your health?

Vitamin and minerals are micronutrients you need in tiny amounts. If you don’t get enough of these, it can lead to a nutrient deficiency. A home blood test can be done to diagnose a deficiency. If you know you’re deficient in something, we offer premium vegan supplements that can support your health and help you feel your best.

If you’re making a change, you want to know whether that change is working, and that you are getting closer to your goals. This is why it's important that your blood testing is personalised based on your own body, lifestyle, and health goals.

After menopause, a woman’s risk of developing chronic disease - specifically heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia, cancer, and osteoporosis - increases. These are largely preventable by adopting healthy lifestyle behaviours.  A simple blood test that measures your cholesterol, vitamin D and long-term blood sugar levels can give you an indication of your risk.

Irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, and excessive hair growth (hirsutism) are a few common symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS symptoms can also differ in severity and many people have it without knowing. Even though there’s no cure for PCOS, there are many helpful ways to manage your symptoms — from following healthy lifestyle habits to taking medication.