What are Heart Health tests
- A heart health laboratory checkup is a series of blood tests used to evaluate the condition of your cardiovascular system and identify early signs of heart disease. These tests measure important factors that affect heart function and help doctors assess your risk. Typically, a heart health panel includes cholesterol levels such as LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, blood glucose, and markers of inflammation or heart damage like C-reactive protein (CRP) or troponin. Elevated LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Blood glucose testing screens for diabetes or prediabetes, which are common risk factors for heart disease.
Additional tests may assess kidney function and electrolyte levels, as these impact blood pressure and heart rhythm. Together, these results provide a comprehensive overview of your heart health. Early detection through these tests allows for timely intervention—whether through lifestyle changes, medication, or further examination—to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events. Regular heart health testing is especially important for individuals with risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, smoking, or a family history of heart disease.
