Must-Know Blood Tests for Your Heart Health

According to the Economic Times, cardiovascular diseases are responsible for over 26% of all deaths in India. Although lifestyle changes like improved diet and regular exercise can help prevent heart disease, regular health checkups are important for timely detection and prevention. Specific blood tests can identify heart-related conditions before they become severe. This blog post discusses in detail the causes and symptoms of heart disease and various heart tests crucial for maintaining heart health.

What are the Causes of Heart Disease?

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is primarily caused by factors that damage the heart and blood vessels. The most common causes include:

 

1. High blood pressure (Hypertension)
2. High cholesterol
3. Diabetes
4. Obesity
5. Physical inactivity
6. Chronic conditions like kidney disease, sleep apnea, and inflammatory diseases
7. Family history

What are the Symptoms of Heart Disease?

Here are the common symptoms of heart disease:

 

1. Chest pain or discomfort
2. Pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs
3. Shortness of breath
4. Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
5. Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting
6. Fatigue
7. Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen

 

It’s important to note that symptoms vary according to the heart disease.

What are the Types of Blood Tests for Heart Health?

Here are some common types of heart tests.

 

1. Lipid Profile

 

A lipid profile, or cholesterol test, measures the levels of fats in the blood. High levels of these fats, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to a build-up in the arteries, increasing the risk of stroke and heart disease. A typical lipid profile includes:

Total cholesterol – Measures the overall cholesterol level in the blood. High levels can heighten the risk of heart disease.

 

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol – High levels of LDL can cause plaque to build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow.

 

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol – Commonly known as ‘good cholesterol’, HDL helps clear excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. High levels of HDL are linked with a lower risk of heart disease.

 

Triglycerides – These are another type of fat in the blood. High triglyceride levels, along with high LDL or low HDL cholesterol levels, can significantly increase the risk of heart disease.

 

2. High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)

 

The hs-CRP test is another important blood test for the heart. It measures the level of C-reactive protein in the blood, which increases when there is inflammation.

 

Chronic inflammation is closely linked to a higher risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Even with normal cholesterol levels, elevated hs-CRP levels can indicate an increased risk of heart conditions.

 

This test is beneficial for individuals with a family history of heart disease or those at moderate cardiovascular risk.

 

3. Homocysteine Test

 

Homocysteine is an amino acid involved in the body’s protein production. Under normal conditions, homocysteine levels remain low, as it is metabolised with the help of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and folic acid.

 

However, elevated homocysteine levels can harm blood vessel walls and increase the risk of heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes. This test aids in identifying individuals at higher risk for these cardiovascular events, facilitating early risk assessment and management.

 

4. Lipoprotein(a) Test

 

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a specific type of LDL cholesterol that is largely determined by genetics. Levels above 50 mg/dL are associated with a greater risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks.

This test is particularly important for individuals with a family history of heart disease, as high Lp(a) levels can elevate heart disease risk even if other cholesterol levels are normal.

 

5. Troponin Test

 

The troponin test measures the levels of troponin proteins in the blood. Troponin is released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged, such as during a heart attack. Troponin-I levels begin to rise 3-6 hours after a heart attack and remain elevated for up to 5-9 days.

This test is typically ordered if a person exhibits symptoms of a heart attack, like chest pain, shortness of breath, or other related signs. It is a sensitive and specific test, effectively detecting even minor heart muscle damage.

 

Regular heart checkups can help prevent future complications. If someone experiences symptoms related to heart disease, they should consult their healthcare provider and undergo appropriate tests. To book heart tests, visit the Dr Lal PathLabs website.

FAQs

Why are blood tests for the heart important?

Blood tests for the heart are important because they help spot issues early. They can show if there’s damage to the heart muscle or if there are high levels of risk factors like cholesterol, which can lead to heart problems.

What blood tests do you have for your heart?

Important blood tests for heart diagnosis include the Troponin test, lipid profile, High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Lipoprotein(a), and Homocysteine test.

Can blood tests detect heart problems?

Yes, blood tests can detect heart problems. The Troponin test identifies heart muscle damage, while cholesterol tests help reveal risk factors for heart disease.