Heart disease (or cardiovascular disease) is the leading cause of death worldwide [1]. However, the good news is that it is effectively manageable and possibly preventable if detected early.
One of the most effective methods for early risk detection is a simple blood test. Doctors can obtain a comprehensive picture of your cardiovascular health even before symptoms manifest by examining specific blood markers.
Knowing your cardiovascular disease risk through blood tests is a proactive step toward heart health. Your blood contains various components, such as certain proteins, blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol, that serve as a window into your heart health.
Cardiac blood tests can help your doctor determine how well your heart is working. Your provider can assess your risk of cardiovascular disease by combining this information with your medical and family history.
Why Are Blood Tests Important for Heart Health?
Your blood acts like a mirror of your body’s health. It carries hints about cholesterol, blood sugar, inflammation, and other hidden factors that affect your heart. Unlike immediate signs, such as chest discomfort, these risk factors often appear quietly.
Routine blood tests are crucial because they enable you and your healthcare provider to take preventive measures before heart disease develops.
What are the Different Blood Tests for Heart Disease Risk?
There are various blood tests for heart function.
Cholesterol-Related Tests
A cholesterol test measures blood fats and is often known as a lipid panel or lipid profile. The results may indicate the likelihood of having a heart attack or another type of heart disease. The test often assesses the following.
- Total Cholesterol: It is the quantity of cholesterol present in the blood. A high level may increase the chance of developing heart disease.
The ideal amount of total cholesterol is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) [2,3].
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: This cholesterol is also known as the “bad” cholesterol. A high level of LDL in the blood leads to plaque accumulation in the arteries. This buildup restricts blood flow and can lead to heart and blood vessel disorders. The ideal level of LDL cholesterol is less than 130 mg/dL.
People who have diabetes or a history of heart attacks, heart stents, heart bypass surgery, or other cardiac or vascular conditions are more at risk. Those who are most at risk for heart attacks should strive for an LDL level of under 70 mg/dL.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: It helps remove LDL (“bad”) cholesterol from the arteries, which is why it is frequently referred to as the “good” cholesterol. Consequently, the arteries stay open, allowing blood to flow more freely.
The ideal HDL cholesterol level for men is above 40 mg/dL, and for women is more than 50 mg/dL.
- Non-HDL Cholesterol: Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) is the total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol. Non-HDL-C contributes to arterial plaque formation. This fraction may be a stronger predictor of risk than total or LDL cholesterol.
- Triglycerides: Triglycerides are another form of blood fat. Elevated levels may raise the risk of developing heart disease. The recommended level of triglyceride in blood is below 150 mg/dL.
Protein-Related Tests
In addition to cholesterol, sugar, and inflammation markers, some proteins in the blood can provide valuable insight into heart health. Measuring these proteins helps doctors detect hidden strain on the heart, identify potential heart failure, or confirm whether a cardiac event has occurred.
- Lipoprotein (a): Lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), is a form of LDL cholesterol. Genes influence the level of Lp(a) rather than the lifestyle. The normal Lp (a) level in blood is less than 30 mg/dL.
Elevated Lp(a) levels may indicate an increased risk of heart disease. If you appear to have healthy cholesterol levels but have atherosclerosis (buildup of cholesterol or other substances in arteries) or heart disease, your doctor may request an Lp(a) test. Doctors may also recommend this test if you have a family history of early-onset heart disease, sudden death, or stroke.
- Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): ApoB is a crucial protein found in cholesterol. Research suggests that ApoB may be a more accurate marker of the total cardiovascular disease risk than LDL alone [4]. ApoB values above normal indicate small, dense LDLs. The ideal level of this protein is less than 100 mg/dL [5].
- N terminal, pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP): This protein is produced in the heart and is present in the blood when the heart is under more stress. Elevated levels may indicate a decline in heart function and are associated with an increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease. The ideal level of NT-proBNP protein is less than 125 pg/mL.
- Troponin: The cardiac muscle contains the protein troponin. Typically, blood troponin levels are so low that only the most sensitive testing can detect them. However, troponin seeps into your bloodstream and raises your blood levels if your heart muscle is damaged.
A high-sensitivity troponin test helps in diagnosing a heart attack. A higher level of troponin has been associated with an increased risk in individuals without symptoms of heart disease.
Tests for Detecting Signs of Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s response to harm, such as an injury or infection, and it frequently manifests as redness, warmth, swelling, or pain. It significantly contributes to the formation of plaques in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Blood tests that measure inflammation can reveal hidden risks even when cholesterol levels seem normal. By identifying chronic, low-grade inflammation, these tests help doctors better predict the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
- High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP): The liver produces CRP as part of the body’s response to damage or disease, resulting in inflammation. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) testing identifies the risk of heart disease before symptoms appear. Elevated hs-CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Having an hs-CRP level more than 2.0 mg/L indicates a higher risk of heart disease.
Tests for Diabetes
High blood sugar can damage blood vessels over time, making diabetes a major risk factor for heart disease. Blood tests for diabetes help detect early signs and take preventive measures. These tests determine if your body is effectively controlling your blood sugar levels or if you need to take action.
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): This blood test helps diagnose diabetes, which raises the risk of cardiovascular disease. It displays your average blood sugar levels over a two to three-month period. The ideal level of HbA1c in blood is below 5.7%.
- Fasting Glucose: This test measures your blood sugar levels following an overnight fast. The test can detect diabetes and prediabetes, which raise the risk of heart disease. The normal value of this test is below 100 mg/dL.
- Insulin: An insulin test is a blood test that determines the quantity of the insulin hormone in your body. It helps diagnose problems such as insulin resistance or the causes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and monitor disorders such as type 2 diabetes. It can indirectly signal a higher risk of heart disease. Most insulin tests require fasting.
Tests for Other Substances that Increase Your Cardiovascular Risk
Some blood tests look for specific substances that increase the risk of heart disease, even when traditional cholesterol or sugar levels appear normal. Detecting them early helps doctors personalize prevention and treatment strategies.
- Homocysteine (Hcy): Hcy is an amino acid, high levels of which raise your risk of heart and blood vessel disease. The ideal value is 15 micromoles per liter (μmol/L).
When is a Blood Test for Heart Function Carried Out?
If you have a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, or heart disease, your doctor will prescribe cardiac blood tests. Using this information, they will determine your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.
Cholesterol testing is common for everyone, but your doctor may prescribe less common tests if you have several risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Your doctor can better assess your cardiovascular risk with more information.
What to do if the results show higher than normal values?
If your blood test results show higher-than-normal values that imply a higher risk of developing heart disease, you can take a few actions to prevent it. Lifestyle changes such as eating more whole foods, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and quitting smoking can make a huge difference. In some cases, your doctor may recommend medications such as statins or diabetes drugs. Remember, regular follow-ups help track improvement and catch changes early.
Key Takeaways
A blood test is an effective way to evaluate heart health. It helps detect potential heart issues and assess the risk of cardiovascular disease by examining cholesterol levels, cardiac biomarkers, and other crucial signs. Understanding the information provided by blood testing enables people to take proactive efforts toward living a heart-healthy lifestyle. Remember to speak with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and guidance.
Choose Chughtai Lab: Your Partner in Heart Health
When it comes to protecting your heart health, choosing the right diagnostic partner makes all the difference. Chughtai Lab stands out as a trusted name in healthcare, offering accurate and reliable blood tests that help detect early risk factors for heart disease. With state-of-the-art technology, internationally accredited standards, and highly qualified professionals, Chughtai Lab ensures that every test result is precise and accurate.
From advanced screenings such as hs-CRP, lipid profile, and cardiac enzymes to routine checkups like diabetes tests, the lab provides a comprehensive range of tests under one roof. Convenient sample collection services, nationwide branches, and digital access to reports make it easier than ever to stay proactive about your heart health. Choosing Chughtai Lab means choosing accuracy, convenience, and care so you can take control of your cardiovascular well-being with confidence.
References
- Cardiovascular Disease. World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases/#tab=tab_1. Accessed: 17th September, 2025.
- Blood Tests for Heart Disease. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease/art-20049357. Updated Online: 9th December, 2023. Accessed: 17th September. 2025.
- Cardiac Blood Tests. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22207-cardiac-blood-tests. Last Reviewed: 26th November, 2021. Accessed: 17th September. 2025.
- Sniderman, A.D., Williams, K., Contois, J.H., Monroe, H.M., McQueen, M.J., de Graaf, J. and Furberg, C.D., 2011. A meta-analysis of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B as markers of cardiovascular risk. Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, 4(3), pp.337-345.
- Blood Tests to Determine Risk of Coronary Artery Disease. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16792-blood-tests-to-determine-risk-of-coronary-artery-disease. Last Reviewed: 21st August, 2022. Accessed: 17th September. 2025.
- How does a blood test show heart health? Abi Scans & Labs. https://abiscans.com/blog/scan/how-does-a-blood-test-show-heart-health/. Accessed: 17th September, 2025.
