Lipid Profile Test is the most important blood test to know health of the heart. On the occasion of “World Heart Day”, (29th September), Our director and chief pathologist Dr. Chaitrangi Paranjape, is sharing some important facts about blood tests required to know health of your heart. This year’s theme of world heart day is “USE heart FOR EVERY heart”.
Why cardiac health is important?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the world’s number one killer, causing over 18.6 million deaths per year. That means every four deaths out of five are caused due to heart diseases. CVD is a class of diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels (veins and arteries).
If you live to be 70, your heart will have beaten two and a half billion times. However, although impressive and strong, your heart can also become vulnerable from habitual risk factors like smoking, diabetes, cholesterol, eating an unhealthy diet, or living with high blood pressure. The system can also be weakened from a pre-existing heart condition and other physiological factors, including hypertension or high blood cholesterol.
What are the important blood tests to know about heart health?
Most important blood test for heart is the Lipid Profile Test comprising of Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) and Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL)
Lipid Profile Test:
This test measures the amount of fat in your blood and can indicate whether you’re at risk for a heart attack, stroke, or other types of heart diseases.
Total cholesterol:
This refers to the amount of cholesterol in your blood. An increased level of total cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease. In general, your total cholesterol should be under 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol:
Also called the “good” cholesterol, it helps keep arteries open and your blood to flow more freely.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol:
Also called the “bad” cholesterol, too much LDL cholesterol in your blood can lead to plaque deposition in your blood vessels, and results in reduced blood flow. These plaques build up may rupture and cause major heart and blood vessel problems.
Triglycerides:
These are another type of fat in the blood, high levels of which can raise your risk of heart disease. Your triglyceride level should be less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L).
Total cholesterol = HDL cholesterol + LDL cholesterol + 20% of Triglycerides levels
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein test (hs CRP test):
Your liver produces a protein known as C-reactive protein (CRP) as part of your body’s reaction to inflammation that may happen as a result of an injury or infection.
An increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease is indicated by elevated hs-CRP test results. This blood test is extremely important for identifying heart issues since it can predict your risk of developing heart disease even before you have any symptoms. An elevated risk of heart disease is thought to be indicated by a hs-CRP level exceeding 2.0 mg/L.
However, many other conditions than heart disease, such as a viral infection, can temporarily raise CRP levels. Therefore, some professionals would advise taking the test twice, two weeks apart.
Natriuretic peptides test:
Your heart and blood vessels produce a molecule called Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) that aids in fluid excretion, blood vessel relaxation, and salt excretion into the urine. BNP levels in your blood rise when your heart suffers injury.
Cardiac Troponin (T and I) Test for Heart Attack:
Your heart muscles contain a particular kind of protein called troponin (or cardiac troponin). When cardiac muscles are harmed, it is released into the blood even though it is generally not found there.
The level of troponin in your blood is determined via a troponin test. Greater levels of troponin are released into the circulation as the heart muscle becomes increasingly more injured. To detect heart disease or injury, cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and I (cTnI) of two different types are employed as cardiac profile tests. A recent or current heart attack may be indicated by a high blood troponin level.
According to several research, the troponin I blood test for heart attack is more accurate and a better cardiac marker than the troponin T blood test.
Lipoprotein A (LpA):
LpA is one of the types of LDL cholesterol whose quantity in your blood is determined by genetic factors more than lifestyle. So if your family has a history of sudden death or heart disease at a young age, a doctor may recommend this test for you even if your cholesterol levels appear normal otherwise.
Creatine Phosphokinase-MB (CPK-MB):
Creatine phosphokinase-MB (CPK-MB) is the most sensitive and the most specific indicator available for the diagnosis of an acute myocardial infarction. This test is done to distinguish between skeletal muscle and heart muscle damage; sometimes to determine the occurrence of a heart attack (if the troponin test is not available). It is also recommended to detect a second or subsequent heart attack.
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test:
LDH is a protein that normally appears throughout the body in small amounts, especially in active tissues such as heart, liver, kidney, etc.
An LDH blood test may be used to detect and determine the severity of acute or chronic tissue damage.
What is the cost of Lipid Profile test in Pune?
At Pro diagnostics, pathology lab in Pune, we provide lipid profile test at ₹700. We also provide home sample collection services in Pune. For lipid profile test, 10-12 hours of fasting is required.
What is the cost of blood tests for heart in Pune along with lipid profile test?
At Pro diagnostics, we provide all the cardiac tests at best rates in Pune.
Lipid Profile: ₹700
CPK-MB: ₹500
LDH: ₹400
Troponin T: ₹1600
Troponin I: ₹1600
HsCRP: ₹500
Lipoprotein a: ₹800
NT Pro BNP: ₹2700
(upto 20% discount applicable for senior citizen).
Which tests are included in Cardiac Package along with Lipid Profile Test?
At pro diagnostics, we provide comprehensive cardiac package for heart health. It includes following tests:
Hemogram, BSL (F and PP), HbA1c, RFT, SGOT, SGPT, Lipid Profile, CRP-HS, TSH, Urine Routine
Package cost: ₹3500
It is recommended to undergo these tests every year for the people above age 45 years with either family history of cardiac diseases or past history of cardiac related problems like high blood pressure.
Summary:
Even though heart is the strongest muscle in the body, we need to take care of it. Apart from healthy lifestyle changes, some basic blood tests like lipid profile test done regularly can provide status of your heart health.
About Author -
Dr. Chaitrangi Paranjape, MD Pathology, she is the owner and chief pathologist at PRO diagnostics , Pune. She has more than 10 years of experience. She has worked with many renowned diagnostic centers and medical institutes including Metropolis, Nucleus, Pioneer, Sunrise diagnostics, Bharti Vidyapeeth Medical college, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences. Currently she is also working at Institute of Infectious Diseases.
Why choose us:
At PRO diagnostics, with the use of modern technology, experienced phlebotomists and technicians, quick, accurate reports are provided. At PRO diagnostics, all types of pathology tests of blood, urine, sputum are provided at best rates. Home sample collection facility is also available.
To book your tests, call at +91-9856620620 (Home Collection) or logon to www.prodiagnosticsindia.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Home Collection Services for blood samples are available at Pro Diagnostics, Pathology Lab.
You can book a home visit for blood sample collection in just 3 simple steps. Click here to watch the video or read here.
A doctor’s prescription is not mandatory to get the test done. You can also consult our expert doctor before you undergo any tests. Call us at 9856620620 for doctor consultation.
Dr. Chaitrangi Paranjape, is the chief consultant pathologist at Pro Diagnostics Pathology Lab Pune. She has more than 10+ years of experience in pathology.
Your blood samples or any pathological sample are processed at our central pathology at Kothrud. Get Direction.
Most of the reports are delivered to you within 12 hours from the time of sample collection.
Yes. We will send you a digital report via WhatsApp or email.
Yes. We do provide full body checkup in pune. You can read more about it in our health blog here.
You can check our services list here. (Following that, click Download Brochure to get test prices.)
Yes. We do all types of fluid pathology tests. To consult our doctor for pathology tests, contact us.