Heart disease is a major concern for many of us. Sometimes, even without any major symptoms, a serious condition can develop inside the body. So, would you be surprised if we told you that there is a way to know in advance about the health of your heart, that is, how much risk you have for developing heart disease, especially coronary artery disease (CAD)? Yes, that is where blood tests come in handy. Based on the results of these tests and your health history, your doctor will develop the most suitable treatment plan for you.
Who needs to do these blood tests?
Now you may be thinking, "Do I need this test?" There are several reasons why your doctor may order this type of blood test. If you have one or more of these risk factors, it's important to consider these tests.
- Unhealthy eating habits: If you eat a lot of oily, sugary, and floury foods.
- Family history: If your mother, father, or siblings have had heart disease before the age of 50.
- Obesity or overweight: If you are overweight for your height.
- Lack of exercise: If you are someone who sits in one place all day and doesn't exercise.
- Smoking or tobacco use: If you smoke cigarettes or use other types of tobacco.
- Other medical conditions: If you already have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or have had a heart attack or stroke in the past.
If you have these risks, don't panic. It doesn't mean you will definitely develop heart disease. However, it is wise to identify the risk early and take the necessary steps.
What do blood tests look for?
When looking at your risk for heart disease, doctors pay special attention to a few things in your blood. Simply put, these are the key factors that give us clues about the health of our heart. Let's take a look at each of these in simple terms.
| Test | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol (TC) | The amount of total cholesterol in the blood. The higher this is, the higher the risk of heart disease. |
| Triglycerides (TG) | This is also a type of fat in the blood. It can be increased by foods high in sugar, flour, fat, and alcohol. It can be reduced by exercise. |
| High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) | This is called "good cholesterol." It removes bad cholesterol from the arteries. The higher its value, the better. |
| Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) | This is the "bad cholesterol" . When it increases, it can deposit in the blood vessels and clog them. It is a major cause of heart attacks. |
| Complete Blood Count (CBC) | It provides a complete description of the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood. It can identify conditions such as anemia. |
| Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) | It shows your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. This is very important for diagnosing diabetes. |
| Fasting Glucose (Fasting Blood Sugar) | Blood sugar levels are measured after fasting for 8-10 hours. It can detect diabetes and its pre-diabetes risk factors. |
| Ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP) | It indicates the level of subtle inflammation in the blood vessels. The higher this value, the higher the risk of heart disease. |
| Serum Creatinine (CR) | A test that measures kidney function. If the kidneys are not working properly, it can also affect the heart. |
In addition to these, your doctor may order other specific tests depending on your risk. For example, tests like `Lipoprotein (a)`, `Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)`, `Homocysteine (Hcy)`. Each of these tests helps to get a clearer picture of your risk of heart disease.
How do you prepare before the test?
Okay, now let's see what we need to do before going to the test.
1. Fasting: Some tests, especially those that measure cholesterol (Lipid Profile) and blood sugar (Fasting Blood Sugar), require you to abstain from food and drink for about 8-12 hours before the test. Drinking water is usually fine. But be sure to ask your doctor about this.
2. Medication Information: Tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or other supplements you take regularly. Some medications can affect test results.
Most importantly: Never stop taking your medication without first consulting your doctor. He or she will advise you on what to do if necessary.
How to understand the test results?
When you get your blood test report, you might feel a little intimidated by the numbers and words on it. But don't worry. Let's take a simple look at what healthy levels of the main things it contains.
Warning: These are just average values. These values may vary depending on your age, gender, and other health conditions. Therefore, always talk to your doctor for the most accurate interpretation of your report.
| Test | Ideal Level |
|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol (TC) | Less than 200 mg/dL |
| Triglycerides (TG) | Less than 150 mg/dL |
| HDL (good cholesterol) | Men: greater than 45 mg/dL Women: greater than 55 mg/dL |
| LDL (bad cholesterol) | - For those at average risk: less than 130 mg/dL - For those with diabetes/heart disease: 100 mg/dL or less than 70 mg/dL (as advised by your doctor) |
| Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) | Less than 5.7% (healthy) 5.7% - 6.4% (pre-diabetes risk) Above 6.5% (diabetes) |
| Fasting Blood Sugar | Less than 100 mg/dL (healthy) 100 - 125 mg/dL (risk of prediabetes) Above 126 mg/dL (diabetes) |
What do you do after getting the results?
If your blood test results are at risk, don't panic. It doesn't mean you have a disease right away. It's a warning about a risk .
The doctor will discuss these results with you and explain what to do next. You may:
- Lifestyle changes: Provides advice on how to control your diet and exercise.
- Prescribing medication: Asking to start medication to lower cholesterol, control blood pressure, or control sugar levels.
- Further tests: You may be referred for other tests such as ECG, Echo, and Exercise ECG to look more deeply into the functioning of the heart.
Remember, these blood tests are a great opportunity for you to take responsibility for your own health. The important thing is to use these results to make the necessary changes for a healthy life.
Take-Home Message
- Blood tests are a very important tool for early detection of heart disease risk.
- Increased bad cholesterol (LDL) and decreased good cholesterol (HDL) are the main warning signs.
- HbA1c and Fasting Blood Sugar tests are essential to identify diabetes and its pre-diabetes risk factors.
- Whatever your blood test results, don't make decisions on your own. Always consult your doctor for advice.
- Even if the test results are at a high risk, the risk can be largely controlled with a correct lifestyle and, if necessary, medication.
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