Heart disease
is the leading cause of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Prevention and early detection is key in lowering the risk of a fatal heart attack. Blood provides many details about what is going on in the body and is an important diagnostic tool. Blood tests can be used to predict the chances of heart disease or confirm a suspected diagnosis by looking at the levels of different substances.
Cholesterol
A cholesterol test measures the amount of fat in the blood and is one of the most common tests used to predict the chances of heart disease. There are three types of fat evaluated during a cholesterol test. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered "bad" cholesterol because it causes fatty deposits to build up in the arteries, which can lead to blockage and reduced blood flow. This number should be below 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often called "good" cholesterol because it reduces the amount of LDL. Levels should be 60 mg/dL or higher. A high level of triglycerides, another type of fat, may indicate that you eat more calories than you burn, which causes food to be stored as fat and increases the risk of heart disease. If it is above150 mg/dL, it is considered too high.
C-reactive Protein
When injury or infection occurs, the body initiates an inflammatory response. This response leaks fluids into the damaged area and causes swelling, which helps isolate the threat. C-reactive protein (CRP) is made in the liver as part of the inflammatory response. Although it can't pinpoint the location, an elevated level of CRP indicates that there is a problem somewhere in the body. Combined with other test results, this can indicate heart disease. You are considered high risk if your CRP level is above 3 milligrams per liter.
Fibrinogen
Fibrinogen is a blood protein that aides in clotting. While clotting is a vital process in the body--without it we would bleed out from a minor cut--too much clotting can be dangerous. It can lead to blockage in the arteries or worsen existing damage, which can cause a heart attack. An elevated level of fibrogen in the body increases the risk of heart disease. A normal level of fibrogen is between 200 and 400 milligrams per liter.
Homocysteine
Homocysteine is an amino acid that helps make protein and build new tissue in the body. High levels can increase your risk of stroke, peripheral artery disease (disease of blood vessels in the limbs) and certain types of heart disease. A test measuring the level of homocysteine is usually ordered if you suffer a heart attack without having any of the traditional risk factors, which include smoking and obesity. It may also be ordered if you have a history of heart problems developing at a young age in your family. Normal range is five to 15 micromoles per liter.
Brain Natriuretic Peptide
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a protein produced by the heart and blood vessels to help eliminate fluids, relax the blood vessels and send excess sodium to the urine. The body secretes high levels of BNP into the blood stream to help reduce the strain on the heart when damage occurs. BNP is useful in determining whether heart failure has occurred and in diagnosing a new heart problem. A level between 100 and 300 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) can be a sign of possible heart failure. Over 300 pg/mL indicates you most likely currently have heart failure.
Tags: heart disease, blood vessels, heart attack, heart failure, chances heart, chances heart disease, cholesterol because
