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.
Heart Blood Tests: What You Need to Know
Introduction
Heart blood tests play a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring cardiovascular diseases. These tests help doctors assess heart function, detect inflammation, and evaluate risk factors for heart disease.
Key Blood Tests for the Heart
1. Troponin Test
- Troponin is a protein released into the blood when the heart muscle is damaged, such as during a heart attack.
- High levels of troponin indicate heart muscle injury and necessitate urgent medical attention.
2. Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test
- BNP and NT-proBNP levels are markers of heart failure.
- Elevated levels suggest that the heart is struggling to pump blood efficiently.
3. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test
- CRP is a marker of inflammation in the body.
- High CRP levels can indicate increased risk of heart disease and stroke due to arterial inflammation.
4. Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test)
- Measures levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides.
- High LDL and low HDL levels increase the risk of heart disease.
5. D-dimer Test
- Used to detect blood clots, which can indicate conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
- Elevated levels may be seen in cardiovascular events.
6. Electrolytes and Kidney Function Tests
- Sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels determine how well the kidneys and heart are functioning.
- Kidney disease is closely linked with heart disease, making these tests essential.
7. Glucose and Hemoglobin A1C Test
- Evaluates blood sugar levels over time.
- Diabetes is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
Why Are These Tests Important?
- Help in early detection of heart disease.
- Guide treatment choices for better heart health.
- Monitor existing cardiac conditions effectively.
- Identify risk factors such as high cholesterol or inflammation before severe issues arise.
Conclusion
Heart blood tests provide valuable insights into cardiovascular health and help doctors make informed decisions about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease. If you experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or excessive fatigue, consult your doctor and consider undergoing these tests.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Biomarkers
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000490
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28446515/
- https://www.heart.org/en/-/media/Files/Affiliates/MWA/North-Dakota/North-Dakota-Stroke-Cardiac-Conference/Cardiac-Biomarker-History-Characterization-of-Troponin-Assays-Impact-on-Cardiac-Care-Sep-13-2023.pdf?sc_lang=en
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30423391/
- https://newsroom.heart.org/news/simple-blood-test-may-predict-future-heart-kidney-risk-for-people-with-type-2-diabetes
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-Prevention-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-and-Diabetes-Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34458905/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/ESC-Guidelines-on-non-cardiac-surgery-cardiovascular-assessment-and-managem
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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!
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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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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.