Routine heart checkups and screenings offer the best chance of receiving the right care quickly and of fast diagnosing underlying medical issues. You may be sure you are taking the right measures for a longer, healthier life by making frequent appointments for these health services.
Many indicators of your heart health may be found in your blood. For instance, having high amounts of “bad” cholesterol in your blood may indicate that you are more likely to experience a heart attack. Also, additional elements in your blood can assist your doctor in figuring out whether you have heart failure or are at danger of developing plaques (fatty deposits) in your arteries (atherosclerosis).
It’s crucial to keep in mind that a single blood test does not accurately predict the risk of developing heart disease. Smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes are the main risk factors for heart disease.
Below are some blood tests that are used to identify and treat heart disease.
Test for Cholesterol
A cholesterol test, sometimes referred to as a lipid panel or lipid profile, is used to determine the blood fat levels. You can compute your risk of acquiring heart disease or suffering a heart attack using the measures.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein
In reaction to an injury or disease, the body creates the protein C-reactive protein (CRP), which causes swelling inside the body (inflammation).
Inflammation has a significant role in the formation of atherosclerosis. Before any symptoms manifest, high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) tests can predict the likelihood of developing heart disease. Higher hs-CRP levels have been associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attack.
The test should be performed again, two weeks apart because CRP levels can be temporarily raised by a variety of circumstances, such as a cold or going for a long run. An increased risk of heart disease is indicated by a hs-CRP level over 2.0 mg/L.
Lipoprotein (a)
LDL cholesterol, also known as lipoprotein (a), is one kind of LDL. Your lifestyle has no bearing on your Lp(a) level, which is mostly genetically determined.
Although it is unclear how much of an elevated risk there is, high levels of Lp(a) may be an indication of heart disease. If you already have atherosclerosis or heart disease but otherwise appear to have healthy cholesterol levels, as well as if your family has a history of early-onset heart disease, sudden death, or stroke, your doctor may request a Lp(a) test.
Medications to reduce Lp(a) are being developed, although it is not yet known what impact this will have on the risk of heart disease.
Natriuretic Peptides
The heart and blood arteries produce a molecule called brain natriuretic peptide, often known as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP).
Trying to identify whether shortness of breath is caused by heart failure is one of the BNP’s most crucial uses.
Age, gender, and weight all affect BNP levels. Establishing a baseline BNP can be beneficial for persons with heart failure, and subsequent tests can be used to gauge how effectively medication is working.
Troponin T
Heart muscle contains a protein called Troponin T. A high-sensitivity troponin T test for measuring troponin T aids medical professionals in both heart attack diagnosis and risk assessment. If a person’s troponin T levels are higher, they have a higher risk of getting CVD even if they don’t show any symptoms of heart disease.
A word from the doctor —
Without routine heart examinations and health screenings, many heart problems and associated risk factors can go unnoticed. The use of preventative healthcare can help you and your doctors monitor your health and identify any problems before they become more serious. Regular cardiac examinations will allow you to:
- Early detection of illnesses or diseases
- Decrease the likelihood that you’ll become sick
- Receive prompt and effective treatment
- Boost general health
- Imagine how your health has changed throughout time.
- Lower overall healthcare spending
- Have access to the latest medical knowledge, cutting-edge techniques, and technologies.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanul Corrielus right away if you have questions about your heart health!
