About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Cardiovascular Blood Test: What You Need to Know
Introduction
A cardiovascular blood test is an essential tool for assessing heart health and preventing cardiovascular diseases. It helps detect risk factors such as high cholesterol, inflammation, and blood clotting abnormalities.
Key Blood Tests for Cardiovascular Health
1. Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Test)
- Total Cholesterol: Indicates overall cholesterol levels in the blood.
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol since high levels contribute to plaque buildup in arteries.
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
- Triglycerides: A type of fat that, in high amounts, can increase heart disease risk.
2. High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
- Measures inflammation in the body, which plays a role in atherosclerosis.
- High hs-CRP levels may indicate a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.
3. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]
- A genetically determined type of LDL that increases the risk of heart disease.
- Important for individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease.
4. Homocysteine
- Elevated levels can damage blood vessel walls and increase the risk of blood clots.
- Often checked in people with unexplained cardiovascular conditions.
5. Blood Sugar Tests (Glucose, HbA1c)
- Fasting Blood Glucose: High levels may indicate diabetes, a major risk factor for heart disease.
- HbA1c: Reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
6. B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)/N-Terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP)
- Used to diagnose and monitor heart failure.
- Higher levels indicate increased strain on the heart.
7. D-Dimer Test
- Assesses clot formation and breakdown.
- Used in cases of suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
8. Electrolyte and Kidney Function Tests
- Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium: Imbalances can affect heart rhythm.
- Creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Evaluates kidney function, which is closely linked to cardiovascular health.
Conclusion
Cardiovascular blood tests are valuable for detecting risk factors and managing heart health. Regular check-ups and lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, exercise, and medication (if needed) help reduce heart disease risk.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/39/4043/7238227
- https://www.escardio.org/
3. National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Guidelines
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/guidelines/atglance.pdf
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/hc0202.101971
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/guidelines/atp3xsum.pdf
- https://www.lipid.org/practicetools/guidelines/national
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.95.6.1646
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.