Simple blood tests can efficiently predict the development of heart diseases; a leading cardiologist explains. Cardiovascular diseases can be understood as those primarily affecting the heart or blood vessels. The damage caused by these conditions is not limited to the heart alone. They also hamper the functioning of other vital parts of the body including the brain, kidneys, eyes and others.
The build-up of fatty substances in the arteries and the formation of blood clots are often a common precursor to many cardiovascular outcomes.
While cardiovascular disorders form a significant healthcare burden in nearly every country, they can be averted using preventive tests including both imaging procedures and blood tests.
Being a chronic condition, most cardiovascular disorders don’t develop suddenly but over time. Sometimes, the symptoms are not very obvious. Taking up simple routine tests can not only lead to timely diagnosis of cardiovascular dysfunction but also ensure quicker progression to treatment.
Common blood tests to predict heart disease
When thinking of cardiac tests, a lot of people undergo ECG (Electrocardiogram) or an Echocardiograph and CT Scan etc. Interestingly, simple blood tests can also efficiently predict the development of heart diseases.
Getting the following readings checked routinely can provide insight into the functioning of a person’s heart, before opting for imaging tests. These simple pathological readings can be taken both in a hospital setting and even in the comfort of your home.
Lipid profile: This part of the blood test can be useful to get a clear picture of the cholesterol or fat levels in your body. The readings provide a measure of triglycerides, HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein), LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) and other related variables. Higher levels of triglycerides and LDL and low levels of HDL can predict a greater risk of heart disease leading to heart attack, stroke etc.
Haemoglobin A1c: This blood test reading is observed to diagnose diabetes which is a high risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Fasting and Post-prandial sugars should be checked at regular intervals.
C-reactive protein: This reading can help indicate vascular inflammation, another precursor of cardiovascular diseases.
Serum creatinine: This test helps in evaluating kidney health. Dysfunctional kidneys can put stress on the heart causing cardiovascular disorders.
Amino-terminal, pro-brain natriuretic peptide: This protein is often found in the blood when there is a strain on your heart. It can be indicative of cardiovascular diseases and poor cardiac output.
These common blood test readings coupled with a person’s medical history can be insightful for your healthcare provider who might recommend a more detailed or invasive tests if required.
Imaging Tests that are recommended
Following blood tests, if you are suspected to have a high cardiovascular risk, you might be asked to go for screening tests which will help in providing a detailed evaluation of heart health and blood vessels. These tests would include: Electrocardiogram (ECG), Echocardiogram, Stress Tests (Stress Echo, TMT), Coronary Calcium Scan, Coronary CT Angiography, MRI and Invasive Coronary Angiography.
Who is at high risk?
While cardiovascular diseases can affect everyone, some factors can put you at a higher risk than others such as diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, kidney dysfunction and others. Inactive lifestyle, consuming unhealthy food, smoking, obesity, familial history, lack of sleep can also contribute to the risk.
How to Protect Your Heart?
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, managing optimum body weight, quitting smoking, keeping a check on stress levels and getting regular health checks done can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
We put our heart in taking care of yours!
(Article Courtesy: Dr. D. K. Jhamb, Director & Head of Department, Interventional Cardiology, SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals, Gurugram)
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