Key Diagnostic Tests to Prevent Heart disease

Cholesterol test:

A cholesterol test, also called a lipid panel or lipid profile test, measures fats in the blood. The result can illustrate emerging signs of heart disease that could further cause heart attack. The test most often measures the following:

Total cholesterol:  This is the amount of cholesterol content in the blood. A high level can increase the risk of the heart disease.  it is the best if the total cholesterol is lower than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).   

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, sometimes referred to as "bad cholesterol":  Too much LDL cholesterol in the blood causes plaque to build up in the arteries. The buildup cuts blood flow in the heart and blood vessel which causes heart attack.  The LDL level should be less than 130mg/dl. But the lower the better.  It is best if the levels are under 100mg/dl.  Some special cases like people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart bypass surgery, high risk of heart attack, the LDL level should be below 70mg/dL. 

High -density lipoprotein (HDL), sometimes referred to as "good cholesterol"  helps carry away bad cholesterol from the arteries.  This keeps the arteries open and blood flowing more freely.  Ideally, men should have over 40 mg/ dL, and women should have over 50 mg/dL, but this varies per individual. 

Triglyceride: Most common fat in the blood.  High levels can increase the risk of the heart disease.  Triglyceride levels should be less than 150 mg/dL. 

Non- HDL cholesterol:  The total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol equals non -HDL- cholesterol (non-HDL-c).  Non-HDL-C is involved in plaque buildup in the arteries.  The non-HDL-C fraction may serve as a more reliable indicator of cardiovascular risk compared to total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol.

High - Sensitivity C - reactive protein:  The liver makes C-reactive protein (CRP) as part of the body's response to injury or infection. The response causes swelling inside the body called inflammation.  Inflammation plays a major role in the buildup of plaques in the arteries, called atherosclerosis.  Highly sensitive CRP test help show the risk of heart disease.  Higher hs -CRP levels are linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and heart disease.  A hs CRP level above 2 milligram per liter(mg/L) shows a higher risk of heart disease.    

Plasma ceramides: This test measures the levels of ceramides in the blood. All cells make ceramides.  Three ceramides have been linked to the plaque buildup in  the arteries and insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. High levels of these ceramides in the blood are a sign of getting heart disease in 1 to 5 years.   

Troponin T:  Troponin T is a protein found in the heart muscle.  A highly sensitive troponin T test helps health care professionals diagnose a heart attack. The test also shows the risk of the heart disease.  An increased level of troponin T has been linked with a higher risk of heart disease in people who have no symptoms. 

Myoglobin is sometimes measured in addition to troponin to help diagnose a heart attack.  

Fibrinogen: This test looks for the amount of fibrinogen in your blood.  Fibrinogen helps your blood clot, but too much increases your risk of a heart attack. 

It is important to recognize that no single blood test can determine the overall risk of heart disease. Major risk factors for heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. The tests mentioned above are commonly used to assess, diagnose, and manage heart disease, providing valuable insights into an individual’s cardiovascular health.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease/art-20049357