Cardiac blood tests are tests that measure the levels of certain substances in your blood that can indicate the health of your heart. These tests can help your doctor diagnose and treat any heart-related conditions you may have. In this article, we will discuss what cardiac blood tests are, when they are performed, who performs them, how to prepare for them, and what the results mean.
What are cardiac blood tests?
Cardiac blood tests measure the levels of certain substances in your blood that can indicate the health of your heart. These tests can include cholesterol-related tests, protein-related tests, indicators of inflammation, tests for diabetes, and tests for other substances that increase your cardiovascular risk.
When is a blood test for heart function performed?
Your doctor may order a cardiac blood test if you have symptoms of a heart condition, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat. Your doctor may also order a cardiac blood test if you have risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
Who performs cardiac blood tests?
Cardiac blood tests are usually performed by a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional.
How do I prepare for a blood test for heart function?
Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your cardiac blood test. Generally, you should not eat or drink anything for 8 to 12 hours before the test. You should also avoid taking any medications that could affect the results of the test.
What to expect on the date of the cardiac blood tests
Before taking your blood sample, your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your medical history and any medications you are taking. They may also take your blood pressure and pulse.
What to expect during the cardiac blood tests
Your healthcare provider will draw a sample of your blood and send it to a laboratory for testing. The sample will be tested for levels of cholesterol, proteins, indicators of inflammation, and other substances that can indicate the health of your heart.
What to expect after the blood test for heart function
Your doctor will review the results of the test and discuss them with you. They will explain what the results mean and what, if any, treatment you may need.
What type of results do you get and what do the results mean?
The results of your cardiac blood tests will show the levels of cholesterol, proteins, indicators of inflammation, and other substances in your blood. Your doctor will explain what the results mean and what, if any, treatment you may need.
Ideal ranges for cholesterol-related tests
The ideal range for total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL. The ideal range for LDL (“bad”) cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dL. The ideal range for HDL (“good”) cholesterol is greater than 40 mg/dL.
Ideal levels for protein-related tests
The ideal range for C-reactive protein (CRP) is less than 1.0 mg/dL. The ideal range for troponin is less than 0.1 ng/mL.
Ideal levels for indicators of inflammation
The ideal range for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is less than 20 mm/hr. The ideal range for fibrinogen is less than 400 mg/dL.
Ideal levels for diabetes tests
The ideal range for fasting blood glucose is less than 100 mg/dL.
Ideal ranges for other tests
The ideal range for homocysteine is less than 10 µmol/L. The ideal range for lipoprotein (a) is less than 30 mg/dL.
When should I know the results of the test?
Your doctor will discuss the results of your cardiac blood tests with you. Depending on the type of test, you may receive the results within a few days or a few weeks.
When should I call my doctor?
If you have any questions or concerns about your cardiac blood tests, you should call your doctor.
References
- American Heart Association. (2020). Cardiac Blood Tests. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-blood-tests
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Cardiac Blood Tests. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cardiac-blood-tests/about/pac-20384717
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). Cardiac Blood Tests. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cardiac-blood-tests
Keywords: cardiac blood tests, cholesterol-related tests, protein-related tests, indicators of inflammation, diabetes tests, heart function, blood sample, results, ideal ranges.