Blood Tests

BLOOD TESTS FOR HEART DISEASE - I

C-reactive protein C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein your liver produces as part of your body's response to injury or infection (inflammatory response).

Fibrinogen is a protein that helps your blood to clot. But too much Fibrinogen can cause a clot in an artery. A normal fibrinogen level is considered to be between 200 and 400 milligrams per liter (mg/L).

Homocysteine is a substance your body uses to make protein and to build and maintain tissue. But too much homocysteine may increase your risk of stroke, certain types of heart disease, and disease of the blood vessels of the arms, legs and feet (peripheral artery disease). Your doctor may check your homocysteine level if you've had cardiovascular problems but don't have any of the traditional risk factors, such as smoking.

A cholesterol test , also called a lipid panel. The test usually includes:

Total cholesterol: the sum of your blood’s cholesterol.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: also called “bad” cholesterol. Too much of this type of cholesterol can can allow fatty deposits (plaques) to accumulate in your arteries.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: often called “good” cholesterol, because this cholesterol helps to carry away LDL cholesterol and increase blood flow.

Triglycerides:  are a type of fat in the blood. A high amount of triglycerides indicates that you routinesly eat more calories than you burn off, and are at risk for heart disease.