Blood Tests

Blood tests measure the level of certain parts of your blood that help your doctor determine how healthy your heart is or if you are at risk for heart disease.

• A lipid profile measures the amount of bad cholesterol (LDL), good cholesterol (HDL), and triglyceride in your bloodstream. A high level of LDL puts you at risk for heart disease. Lipid testing should be performed by age 20 and repeated every 5 years if your levels are in a healthy range, and more frequently if they are not.
• Blood sugar (glucose) testing will determine whether you have diabetes or glucose intolerance (prediabetes). Both of these conditions increase your risk of developing heart disease.

Complete blood cell counts, thyroid studies, blood gases, and other tests can help your healthcare provider determine if there are other conditions that may be affecting your heart.