Blood Tests For Heart Blockage - Everything You Need To Know

Are you feeling heartbroken? Well, it is not just a metaphorical expression and could be more than that! Heart blockage, also known as coronary artery disease, is a complex medical condition with severe consequences if left untreated. Affecting millions of people worldwide, heart blockage occurs when the arteries responsible for supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, restricting the blood flow & oxygen to the heart muscles. The condition, if left unaddressed, can lead to problems like heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening complications. Worried – what to do? Don’t be! The blog's purpose is not to scare you off the condition but alert you or make you aware of the condition and what can be done to avoid complications. Here in this blog, we’ll explore all about heart blockage, its symptoms, and important blood tests for heart blockage to ensure early diagnosis. So, let’s dive in and get to the heart of the matter!

Heart health matters! Know it to keep it protected.

Heart Blockage – What is it?

Heart Blockage is when your heart doesn’t get a proper supply of blood & oxygen due to plaque buildup, causing the narrowing of arteries that supply heart muscles, blood & oxygen. When this becomes severe, it can lead to heart attack & other heart conditions. Understanding that heart blockage doesn’t occur overnight and develops over time is essential, and it gives us early warning signs that we need to pay attention to. Scroll down to know more.

Common Symptoms Of Heart Blockage:

Before getting to know the common symptoms most people with heart blockage may experience, it is crucial to understand that not everyone experiences heart blockage signs. However, the severity & type of the symptoms can vary depending on the severity, location of the blockage, and other factors. Dive into the points below to explore the general warning signs everyone should pay attention to:

• Chest Pain Or Discomfort: One of the common signs associated with heart blockage is intense pain or unusual discomfort in the chest. The pain, if left untreated, can turn intense and radiate to the arms, jaw, back, or stomach. So, take the pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the chest seriously to avoid severe complications.
• Shortness Of Breath: A heart blockage and several heart diseases can cause difficulty breathing. And therefore, it should be taken into consideration seriously to take charge of the condition in time.
• Unexplained Fatigue: The blockage in the heart can disrupt blood flow to the heart leading to tiredness or fatigue in the long run, and is again a sign that you need to get your heart checked.
• Palpitations: Irregular or rapid heartbeat that can be felt as a racing sensation in the chest is another sign of a heart blockage or problem with the heart.

Apart from this, one may also experience nausea or lightheadedness. Hence, getting tested in time is essential to confirm the cause of your symptoms and take charge of the problem. But what if there are no symptoms? Scroll down to find.

Who Should Go For A Blood Test For Heart Blockage?

• Individuals with a family history of heart disease or heart attack.
• Individuals lead a sedentary lifestyle and have poor dietary habits.
• People with a history of high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.
• Individuals indulged in smoking or are exposed to second-hand smoke.
• People who are obese.

Individuals at risk of developing heart problems should be tested, as early diagnosis is the only protection to prevent serious complications. We have been discussing the importance of getting tested to avoid complications, but what tests are used for diagnosing or confirming the condition? Check in the points below:

Essential Blood Tests For Heart Health Are:

• High-Sensitivity Troponin I and T-Test: High-sensitivity troponin I and T are proteins released into the blood when heart muscle cells are damaged. High-sensitivity troponin I and high-sensitivity troponin T blood tests help diagnose a heart attack or other cardiac problems by detecting troponin levels. Let's understand these tests separately:
  • High-Sensitivity Troponin I Test: The test measures cardiac troponin I, a protein mainly found in cardiac muscle cells, to diagnose and assess heart-related conditions. Thanks to the high sensitivity and specific results, the High Sensitivity Troponin I Test ensures early detection of even minor cardiac muscle damage or injury, ensuring precise diagnosis and timely treatment.
  • High Sensitivity Troponin T Test: On the contrary, the High Sensitivity Troponin T Test measures cardiac Troponin T, essential to diagnose and evaluate cardiac conditions.
• NT-proBNP Test: As a part of preventive heart screening, NT-proBNP Test is highly recommended for diabetic patients to assess their risks of heart disease at the earliest stage. When there is any blockage or damage to the heart, it releases several proteins into the bloodstream, and NT-proBNP is one among them. And NT-proBNP test helps measure their levels to detect heart failure, determine the severity of the condition, and determine how well your body responds to the treatment.
• CK-MB Test: Another blood test doctors often recommend is CK-MB Test which helps diagnose a heart attack or myocardial infarction. The test measures CK-MB levels and is used with other tests to confirm heart attacks while monitoring recovery.
• High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) Test: The test looks for inflammation in the body. The higher the High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) levels, the higher your risk of heart disease it indicates. Hence, it is the most common blood test for heart blockage that doctors often recommend to check your risk for coronary artery disease.
• Lipid Profile Test: The lipid test for heart blockage is another blood test on the list. The lipid profile test measures cholesterol & triglyceride levels in the blood, which indicates a higher risk of heart disease if outside the normal range. The test monitors your levels and screens your risk for developing cardiovascular diseases.
• Lp(a) Test: Your doctor may suggest the Lp(a) Test for measuring Lipoprotein (A) levels in the blood to determine your risk of blood vessel diseases, evaluate heart health and prescribe preventive measures and treatments along with it.
• Homocysteine Test: The test helps measure Homocysteine in the body. Elevated Homocysteine levels usually indicate a higher risk of heart disease.

These are a few standard blood tests for heart blockage that your healthcare practitioner may suggest to check your heart health, determine your risks and diagnose heart conditions early. Early detection of risk factors and underlying causes allow timely intervention to prevent disease progression and ensure prompt treatment. In addition, it is vital to understand that these blood tests alone are not enough to diagnose heart blockage, and healthcare practitioners may suggest additional tests to confirm the cause of your symptoms. If you have signs or high-risk factors, such as stress, high blood pressure, family history of heart disease, or more, your healthcare professional may suggest blood tests for heart blockage or heart health. Getting tested in time is the first step to reducing risk and living better. 

Conclusion:

To conclude, we can say that blood tests help assess your risks for heart blockage or heart disease, and early diagnosis of the problem can lead to better prevention, protection, and lesser risks. So, take charge of your heart health today to keep your ticker ticking longer.Redcliffe Labs is the best Omnichannel Pan India Diagnostic Service Provider that you can rely on to book blood tests for heart blockage or Healthy Heart Package to check if your heart is functioning well.