Blood Test for Heart Attack

Overview

What is a blood test for heart attack risk?

Cardiac diseases refer to heart diseases that can be genetic or occur due to lifestyle factors. Doctors usually recommend cardiac blood tests to determine the risk of getting heart and blood vessel diseases. Suppose you already have heart disease, high cholesterol, and/or high triglycerides. In that case, they will use this information to assess the disease progression, including your risk of a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular problems, as well as any necessary changes to your treatment strategy. 

Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to gain a better understanding of your heart risks.

What are the common causes of heart disease?

Common causes that may create a need for a blood test for heart attack risk include: 

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity 
• Unhealthy eating
• A BMI (body mass index) of 25 or higher indicates being overweight.
• Physical inactivity 
• Chronic conditions like kidney disease, sleep apnea, and inflammatory diseases. 
• Family history
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Smoking

What are the common symptoms of heart disease?

Common symptoms of heart disease include: 

• Feeling discomfort due to chest pain
• The feeling of numbness in the hands
• Shortness of breath 
• Palpitations
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Swelling in the legs, feet, ankles, or abdomen.

Different Types of Blood Tests for Heart Attack Risk

Blood tests are crucial to get clues about your heart health, from indicating the presence of bad cholesterol in your blood, which may signal a heart attack, to other substances in the blood that may point towards heart failure or a risk of plaque buildup in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. 

A List of Blood Tests for a Heart Attack Risk Includes

If suggested, you do not need to delay and can book a blood test to evaluate heart-related conditions. Early detection and timely intervention can provide proper guidance and identify potential risks. 

1. Cholesterol Test 

Also known as a lipid profile test, the cholesterol test checks the fats in your blood. It will be clear how much you are at risk of having a heart attack. 

• Total cholesterol (TC): Cholesterol is a waxy substance present throughout your body. As the name suggests, a total cholesterol test helps measure all types of cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is not always bad, unless it is in excess, which can cause complications.
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: LDL is a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in your blood. Also known as bad cholesterol, high levels of it in the arteries may indicate a need for a blood test to assess heart attack risk. 
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: HDL is good cholesterol. High levels are typically associated with a reduced risk of heart and blood vessel disease. 
• Triglycerides (TG): High TG levels can occur due to consuming a diet high in fat, an inactive lifestyle, drinking sugary beverages, and consuming simple carbohydrates. This can put pressure on the heart and blood vessels. 
• Non-HDL cholesterol: The total cholesterol number minus the HDL (or good cholesterol) number results in non-HDL cholesterol. 

2. Complete blood count (CBC)

A healthcare professional may also recommend a complete blood count (CBC) because components such as hematocrit and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are associated with coronary heart disease (CHD). 

3. Protein-related Tests 

These tests are suggested to check the levels of protein in the blood. 

• Lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a): Its structure is similar to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. It can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. 
• Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): This blood test is used for heart attack detection to determine your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. 
• A fibrinogen test checks for a blood protein. Although it aids in blood clotting, too much can lead to an increased risk of heart attack. 
• Amino-terminal, pro-brain natriuretic peptide, or NT-proBNP: This protein belongs to the natriuretic peptide family of hormones. 

4. Indicators of Inflammation

• Ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP) is a more sensitive test compared to High-Sensitivity C-reactive protein. Compared to a standard C-reactive protein test, which helps detect smaller increases in C-reactive protein. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein test results show you are at risk of heart and blood vessel disease. 

1. A concentration of less than 2.0 mg/L indicates a low risk. 
2. A level between 0 and 3.0 mg/L indicates an intermediate risk.
3. A level higher than 3.0 mg/L indicates a high risk. 

• MPO (myeloperoxidase) is a pro-inflammatory biomarker and is abundantly expressed in neutrophil granulocytes. Its normal levels are less than 420 pmol/L. Consult your report with a healthcare professional for a better understanding of its contents. 

5. Tests for Diabetes

Diabetes can also harm your blood vessels. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves controlling your heart. If not managed, it can even cause heart failure. Therefore, a healthcare provider may suggest a blood test for a heart attack risk, as people with diabetes are at a greater risk of heart failure. 

• Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C): Doctors prescribe an HbA1C test to show your blood glucose over the past two to three months. However, the HbA1C test for heart disease helps identify people at high cardiovascular risk. 
• Fasting glucose (fasting blood sugar): High blood glucose levels due to diabetes can harm your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart and blood vessels. If not managed in time, it can also lead to heart disease.

6. Test for Substances

Other substances that should be tested, as they can harm your heart health, include: 

• Homocysteine (Hcy): It is an amino acid in the body. Its increased level may put you at a higher risk for CVD diseases. 

• Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) helps assess coronary events. High levels in a TMAO blood test indicate a high risk of heart disease, heart stroke, and clogged arteries. 

1. Low risk: Less than 6.2 uM.
2. Intermediate risk: 2 to 9.9 uM.
3. High risk: 10 uM or higher.

When is a blood test for a heart attack performed?

A blood test for a heart attack may be performed when you have high cholesterol, your BP is constantly high, you have high triglycerides, or you have a family history of heart disease. These conditions can lead to a sudden heart attack, especially when you don't manage them. They can increase your risk for a heart stroke or other cardiovascular events. 

Additionally, if your doctor suspects you have had a heart attack, he will order a blood test for heart attack detection. Heart proteins, such as cardiac troponin, can be tested to determine the type of heart attack you have had.

Who performs a blood test for heart disease?

A phlebotomy technician or phlebotomist conducts a blood test for heart disease. He will insert a small needle into your vein to collect a blood sample in a collection tube. Then, he will apply a cotton gauze to the wound site to prevent any infection from occurring. 

He will submit your sample to the lab, where a medical laboratory technician will perform expert testing using state-of-the-art machines, and the results will be produced. 

Test Details

Preparation for a blood test for heart function

Doctors usually recommend fasting for about 10-12 hours before a blood test to assess heart attack risk. This is to reduce adverse events, including aspiration pneumonia. You can book an appointment for a blood test to detect a heart attack in the morning, as it is easier to fast while sleeping. 

Ensure you drink enough water before the heart test to stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause complications, including difficulty in blood draws, which usually take five minutes to complete. 

Do not perform strenuous exercises, such as weightlifting or fast running, before the test. This is to avoid irregular heartbeats and trouble breathing. 

What to expect before taking your blood sample?

Here is a step-by-step guide: 

• Before taking your blood sample, the phlebotomist will ask you to sit in a chair with an armrest. 
• Wear a comfortable, short-sleeved shirt for a trouble-free blood draw. Otherwise, he might ask you to roll up your sleeves past your elbow. 
• Your expert will clean the bend of your arm with an antiseptic liquid. Then, he will put an elastic band around your arm. This completes the entire steps. 

What to Expect After the Blood Test?

Once the blood test for heart function is done, he will remove the elastic band. You can resume your daily routine. 

Results and Follow-Up

A blood test for heart attacks has a normal range that varies depending on different elements of the blood, age, and other risk factors. 

Consult your test results with your healthcare professional, and they will discuss the next steps in your care with you. 

1. Total Cholesterol (TC): Ideal results by age

• 20 years or younger: 75 to 169 mg/dL. 
• 21 years or older: 100 to 199 mg/dL

2. Triglycerides (TG): 

• Ideal results: Less than 150 mg/dL. 
• Very high results: greater than 500 to 1,000 mg/dL. 

3. High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Ideal results depend on your gender: 

• Males: Higher than 45 mg/dL
• Females: Higher than 55 mg/dL

4. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): The ideal levels depend on your health. 

• Less than 70 mg/dL: If you have heart or blood vessel disease, diabetes, or a very high heart disease risk. 
• Less than 100 mg/dL: If you have metabolic syndrome or more than one risk factor for heart disease. 

• Less than 130 mg/dL: if you have a low risk of CAD. 

5. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

White blood cell count: 5,000 to 10,000

Hematocrit (blood made of red blood cells)

• Males: 40% to 55%
• Females: 36% to 48%

6. Lipoprotein (a)

• Ideal results: Less than 30 mg/dL. 

7. Apolipoprotein B (Apo B)

• Ideal results: Less than 100 mg/dL. 

8. Homocysteine (Hcy)

Ideal results: less than 15 mcmol/L

9. Ideal levels for Diabetes

• Fasting blood sugar: Less than 100 mg/dL. 
• Insulin: 1 to 24 u/mL

10. HbA1C

• Ideal levels: 6% or lower
• Prediabetes: 7 % to 6.4%
• Diabetes: 5% or higher
• Goal for people with diabetes: Less than 6.5% to 7%. 

11. Creatine kinase (CK):

• Normal range is between 30 and 220 U/L. 

12. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), or SGPT:

• Normal range is between 5 and 45 U/L. 

13. Aspartate transaminase (AST), or SGOT

• Normal range is between 7 and 40 U/L. 

14. Fibrinogen

• Normal range is 200-400 mg/dL. 

15. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

• Normal range is 0.4 to 5.5 mIU/mL. 

16. Ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP), or high-sensitivity CRP

• Low risk: Less than 2.0 mg/L. 
• Intermediate risk: 0 to 3.0 mg/L.
• High risk: higher than 3.0 mg/L.

17. Urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR)

• The normal range is less than 30 mg/g. 

18. MPO

• The ideal result is less than <420 pmol/L.

19. Vitamin D

• The normal range is between 31 and 80 ng/mL. 

20. Trimethylamine N-oxide, or TMAO

• Low risk: less than 6.2uM. 
• Intermediate risk: 2 to 9.9 uM. 
• High risk: 10uM or higher 

21. Amino-terminal, pro-brain natriuretic peptide, or NT-proBNP: 

• The normal level is less than 125 pg/mL. 

22. Serum creatinine (CR): Ideal range by gender

• Females: 058 to 0.96 mg/dL. 
• Males: 73 to 1.22 mg/dL

23. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score

• Low risk: <5 % 
• Borderline risk: 5-7.5% 
• Intermediate risk: > 7.5 <20% 
• High risk: > 20% 

When should you know the results?

It may take 24-48 hours, or a few weeks or longer for you to receive a blood test for heart attack results. Discuss your heart health report with your healthcare professional to understand the specific meaning of your results. 

When should you call a doctor?

You should call a doctor when you do not receive your blood test for heart attack results in a week, or if it is difficult to comprehend what your specific test results mean. 

A note from Redcliffe Labs

A blood test for detecting heart attacks is essential. Experts believe that early detection is the key to prevention-especially, especially when it comes to heart health. Remember, a heart attack does not happen overnight. It often gives warning signs. That’s why regular screening is essential. 

If your blood test for heart health results show you are at greater risk, he may suggest further testing. Consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about the test. Ensure you follow the instructions for improved health outcomes.

So, why wait? Call us at 898 898 87 87 or download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app to book a test online immediately. A blood test for a heart attack costs only INR 1199. The test is available with home sample collection convenience and care, and reports are available within 15 hours. 

Step-by-step information on booking a blood test online from Redcliffe Labs. 

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.
5. You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.