Blood Tests and Diagnostic Tests for Detecting Heart Diseases

Blood Tests and Diagnostic Tests for Detecting Heart Diseases
June 08 09:27 2017 Print This Article

Heart diseases remain a leading cause of death globally, with India witnessing a significant rise in cardiovascular-related fatalities. According to the Million Death Study, heart diseases were responsible for 2.1 million deaths in India in 2015. This number increased to 2.8 million by 2016, as reported in the study “The Changing Patterns of Cardiovascular Diseases and Their Risk Factors in the States of India.”

Advances in pathology have greatly enhanced the ability to detect cardiovascular conditions early. Through specific blood and imaging tests, specialists can identify biomarkers that indicate heart attacks, heart failure, or future cardiac risks. Timely detection can significantly improve outcomes. Below, we explore some of the key diagnostic methods used to assess heart health.

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Blood Tests for Heart Disease

Tests to Detect/Rule Out Heart Attacks

  1. Creatine Kinase (CK), Creatine Kinase-MB (CKMB), and Myoglobin: Proteins released into the blood after a heart attack. Elevated levels may indicate heart or muscle damage.
  2. Cardiac Troponin I or T (CT): Found only in the blood after heart damage. High levels indicate recent heart damage or the risk of heart attacks.
  3. Ischemia Modified Albumin (IMA): Detects ischemia (reduced blood flow) and is used when symptoms of a heart attack are present.

Tests to Assess Future Cardiac Risk

  1. Natriuretic Peptides (BNP and NT-pro BNP): Elevated levels can indicate heart damage or congestive heart failure, differentiating it from lung conditions causing shortness of breath.

Tests to Detect/Rule Out Future Cardiac Risk

  1. Cholesterol Tests: Measures LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol to assess the risk of atherosclerosis.
  2. C-reactive Protein (CRP): Produced by the liver in response to inflammation, elevated levels indicate potential heart disease.
  3. Lipoprotein A (LpA): A genetic variant of LDL cholesterol linked to heart disease risk.
  4. Lipoprotein Associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2): Assesses plaque formation in arteries.
  5. Plasma Ceramides: Elevated levels signal metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular risk.
  6. Insulin: High levels can indicate the risk of heart and vascular diseases.
  7. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO): Elevated levels indicate the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and heart disease.
  8. Myeloperoxidase (MPO): Elevated levels signal inflammation and increased risk of heart disease.

Diagnostic Imaging and Procedures -H2

Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the heart’s electrical activity to detect rhythm irregularities.

Holter Monitoring: Portable device that records ECG continuously for 24 to 72 hours to identify irregular heart rhythms.

Echocardiogram: Ultrasound imaging that provides details about heart structure and function using sound waves.

Cardiac Catheterization Procedure: A catheter is inserted into the artery to measure heart chamber pressure and detect blockages using a dye visible on X-rays.

Cardiac CT Scan: Produces cross-sectional images of the heart and chest to detect structural abnormalities or blockages.

Cardiac MRI: Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to capture detailed images of the heart’s structure, size, and function.

Heart ailments are a leading cause of death worldwide, including in India where cardiovascular disease-related deaths are on an upward trend. Thankfully, advancements in pathology have aided heart specialists in detecting these diseases earlier than before. A range of comprehensive blood tests now exist to detect or rule out heart attacks, heart failure, and future cardiac risk. Kauvery Hospital and its branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Trichy offer these vital diagnostic tests for heart problems, ensuring that patients have access to prompt diagnosis and treatment. Timely intervention can save lives and significantly improve patient outcomes.

 

Frequently Asked Question

1.  What blood tests help detect heart disease?

Blood tests like Creatine Kinase, Troponin, and Ischemia Modified Albumin help detect heart attacks and damage.

2. How can heart failure be diagnosed?

Elevated levels of Natriuretic Peptides (BNP and NT-pro BNP) in blood can indicate heart failure.

 3. What tests assess future heart disease risk?

Tests for cholesterol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and lipoproteins help evaluate the risk of heart disease.

4. What is an Electrocardiogram (ECG)?

An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity to detect rhythm issues or abnormalities.

5. How does a Cardiac CT scan help with heart diagnosis?

A Cardiac CT scan produces detailed images of the heart and chest to identify blockages or structural problems.

6. What is a Holter Monitor used for?

A Holter Monitor records your heart’s electrical activity continuously for 24 to 72 hours to spot irregular rhythms.


Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 •  Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801

Updated on 29th Jan 2025