Laboratory Test
Blood tests are used to detect the risk of heart disease as well as to check other body systems that can affect your cardiovascular health. Important Blood Tests for Heart Disease Diagnosis
Lipid Profile
The test measures the amount and type of lipids (fats) in the blood to determine the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). The tests include:
- Total Cholesterol
- LDL Cholesterol
- HDL Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
Lipoprotein (a); Lp(a)
The test is used to detect high levels of Lipoprotein (a), a kind of cholesterol carrier in the blood. The test assesses the likelihood of cardiovascular disease developing (CVD).
C-reactive protein (CRP)
C-reactive protein is a type of anti-inflammatory protein (CRP). The liver produces C-reactive protein (CRP) as part of the body's response to damage or infection. The test detects inflammation due to acute diseases, monitors the severity of disease in chronic conditions, and aids in the creation of an overall picture of heart health by measuring the amount of CRP in the blood.
Homocysteine
Homocysteine is a substance that helps the body develop and maintain tissue. Too much homocysteine, on the other hand, may raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. This test is usually ordered if you have a high risk of developing heart disease or have a family history of heart disease. It is also used for cases of family history of heart disease but no other known risk factors.
HsCRP
A new age test has been developed to assess the risk of heart attack and stroke. It reliably assesses modest but chronic inflammation in the body, which is linked to Atherosclerosis.
CK-MB
Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) is an enzyme that is mostly found in cardiac muscle cells. This test detects the presence of CK-MB in the blood. Only when the heart is damaged will considerable levels of CK-MB be present.
Troponin-T,I(High Sensitive)
The purpose of high-sensitivity troponin tests is to help diagnose a heart attack and rule out other illnesses that have similar signs and symptoms. Troponin levels in the blood can rise within 3 to 6 hours after a heart attack and can stay high for 10 to 14 days.
BNP and NT-proBNP
The body produces B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in reaction to heart failure. BNP and NT-proBNP tests diagnose and evaluate heart failure by measuring their levels in the blood.
APOLIPOPROTEINS A1 & B
The primary protein component of HDL, or "good cholesterol," is Apo A-1. The major protein linked to LDL, or "bad cholesterol," is Apo B. Apo A-1 and Apo B are stronger markers of cardiovascular disease risk than LDL cholesterol and other factors (CVD).
Blood Tests for Other Body Systems
- CBC: Stands for complete blood count, which includes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
- Potassium and sodium levels: Sodium and potassium levels aid in the detection of electrolyte imbalances in the body fluids.
- Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen: Kidney function is assessed by measuring blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels.
- Fasting Glucose: To diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes, a fasting glucose test is used.
- TSH: Thyroid function is assessed by measuring TSH.
Non Invasive Tests
Electrocardiogram
Stands for complete blood count, which includes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Stress EKG
Stress tests are used to see how the heart reacts to physical stress, such as running on a treadmill. While exercising, the EKG wires record electrical impulses from the heart as well as blood pressure.
Thallium Scan
It entails a treadmill stress test and a nuclear camera scan of the heart following the injection of a radioactive substance. It determines how much blood the heart muscle receives at rest and during exercise.
Carotid Ultrasound
The risk of stroke is assessed using carotid ultrasonography. A transducer is a tiny probe that is gently pressed against the sides of the neck to convey images of the arteries to a computer screen. It monitors blood flow through the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck to assess for Stenosis.
Holter Monitor
A Holter monitor records your EKG in real time as you go about your regular activities. It can detect arrhythmias that might otherwise go undetected on a resting EKG.
Invasive Tests
Cardiac Catheterization and Coronary Angiography Cardiac catheterization is a commonly used procedure for diagnosing heart problems. It's also used to treat heart disease by using balloon angioplasty and stent implantation to open clogged arteries. It aids the doctor in determining if
- The heart's blood arteries have narrowed.
- The heart beats regularly.
- The heart's valves are in good working order.
- There are any congenital heart abnormalities.
- The cardiac and pulmonary pressures are both normal.
