Cardiac Blood Tests

There are a variety of cardiac blood tests that can provide insight into how well your heart is functioning. The results of these blood tests, combined with your medical history and family history, can help your cardiologist determine your risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Cardiac blood tests are ordered if you have: 

• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• High triglycerides
• Family history of heart disease

Cardiac blood tests are combined with additional information to determine your risk for stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems. 

At Sydnor Cardiovascular Center, our cardiologist, Dr. Lilian Ahiable, will order your blood tests. You will then go to another provider who will collect a sample of your blood and analyze it in a lab. 

The lab will send the test results back to Dr. Ahiable, who will analyze your results and let you know what your tests mean for your heart health. Your test results are considered together with your other medical information to arrive at a comprehensive diagnosis.

There are various blood tests Dr. Ahiable can order for you, depending on the results of your initial consultation.

Cholesterol is a waxy and fat-like substance made in your liver. It is found in all body cells and is essential for your health when maintained at the proper level. If you have too much cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels, making it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries. 

Cholesterol-related blood tests can measure for: 

• Total cholesterol
• High-density lipoproteins (HDL), also known as good cholesterol
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as bad cholesterol
• Triglycerides

The ideal range for each measurement is as follows: 

• Total cholesterol between 125 to 200 mg/dL
• HDL between 40 to 60 mg/dL
• LDL below 100 mg/dL or below 70 mg/dL for individuals with diabetes
• TRiglycerides less than 150 mg/dL

The doctor will compare your test results against the ideal range to check for outliers that can indicate possible problems.

Several types of protein-related tests can be run on your blood to measure different protein levels and functions in your blood. 

• Lipoprotein (a) is an extra lipoprotein that is present in some people’s blood and can indicate whether you have an increased risk of heart disease. 

• Fibrinogen is a protein in your blood that helps it clot. 

• Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a protein in your body's bad cholesterol; you should not have a high concentration in your blood. 
  
• Aminoterminal, pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a protein your heart produces in significant quantities when you experience heart failure. 

The ideal range for these proteins is compared with your test results to arrive at a diagnosis. The ideal range is as given below: 

• Lipoprotein (a) less than 30 mg/dL
• Fibrinogen less than 300 mg/dL
• Apoliprprotein B (ApoB) less than 100 mg/dL
• Aminoterminal, pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) less than 125 pg/mL

Diabetes and heart disease are closely connected. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart. Therefore, your cardiologist will likely order a test for diabetes as part of any cardiac blood tests. 

Your risk for developing diabetes will be assessed by comparing your test results against the following recommended range:

• Insulin between 1 to 24 U/ml
• Fasting glucose less than 100 mg/dL
• Hemoglobin A1c (HgA1c) of 5.6 or lower

Your doctor may also order tests that measure specific substances in your blood. You may have an increased risk of heart disease if you have any of the following substances in your blood: 

• Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)
• Homocysteine

Inflammation can happen inside your body. When the inside of your body is inflamed, the risk of plaque in your blood vessels increases. 

The MPO (myeloperoxidase) enzyme and Ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP) are two indicators of inflammation in your body. We can measure their occurrence in your blood to confirm inflammation within your blood vessels.

Generally, before a blood test, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for nine to twelve hours before your blood is drawn. However, you may be allowed to drink water to stay hydrated. Usually, being hydrated allows for a more comfortable testing process for you. This is because a hydrated body makes it easier to find your vein and collect a blood sample. 

Call Sydnor Cardiovascular Center today, or book an appointment online and learn more about your cardiac health. Dr. Lilian Ahiable is a caring and compassionate cardiologist who can help you manage your heart health.