Cardiac Tests
Hi-Tech Medical Laboratory offers a comprehensive range of cardiac tests to help diagnose and monitor heart conditions. Our advanced testing methods ensure accurate and reliable results for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Cardiac Enzymes
Cardiac enzyme tests measure the levels of enzymes and proteins that are released when the heart muscle is damaged. These tests are primarily used to diagnose a heart attack (myocardial infarction) and assess its severity.
Tests Included:
- Troponin I and T: The most specific markers for heart muscle damage
- CK (Creatine Kinase): An enzyme found in heart muscle, brain, and skeletal muscle
- CK-MB: A specific form of CK found primarily in heart muscle
- LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase): An enzyme found in many tissues, including the heart
- AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): An enzyme found in heart muscle, liver, and other tissues
- Myoglobin: A protein found in heart and skeletal muscle
Sample Type: Serum
Turnaround Time: Urgent (1-2 hours)
Fasting Required: No
Troponin
Troponin tests measure the levels of troponin proteins in your blood. Troponins are released when the heart muscle has been damaged, such as during a heart attack. They are the preferred biomarkers for detecting heart muscle damage due to their high sensitivity and specificity.
Types of Troponin Tests:
- Troponin I (cTnI): Specific to heart muscle and not found in skeletal muscle
- Troponin T (cTnT): Also specific to heart muscle
- High-Sensitivity Troponin: Can detect very small amounts of troponin, allowing for earlier detection of heart damage
Sample Type: Serum
Turnaround Time: Urgent (1-2 hours)
Fasting Required: No
Special Instructions: Serial measurements may be required (0, 3, 6 hours)
BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide)
BNP and NT-proBNP tests measure the levels of natriuretic peptides in your blood. These hormones are released by the heart in response to increased pressure or stretching of the heart chambers. They are primarily used to diagnose and monitor heart failure.
Tests Available:
- BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide): The active hormone
- NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide): An inactive fragment of the prohormone
Sample Type: Plasma/Serum
Turnaround Time: Same Day
Fasting Required: No
Homocysteine
Homocysteine is an amino acid produced by the body. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood (hyperhomocysteinemia) are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.
Test Details:
- Measures the level of homocysteine in the blood
- Helps assess the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in individuals with a family history of heart disease
- May be used to investigate the cause of premature cardiovascular disease
- Can help identify vitamin deficiencies (B6, B12, folate) that can lead to elevated homocysteine levels
Sample Type: Plasma
Turnaround Time: 1-2 Days
Fasting Required: Yes (8-12 hours)
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
C-Reactive Protein is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) tests can detect low levels of CRP that may indicate inflammation in the arteries and an increased risk of heart disease.
Test Types:
- Standard CRP: Measures higher levels of CRP associated with significant inflammation
- High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP): Detects lower levels of CRP that may indicate cardiovascular risk
Sample Type: Serum
Turnaround Time: Same Day
Fasting Required: No
Lipid Profile
A lipid profile is a panel of blood tests that measures different types of lipids (fats) in your blood. It is used to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease and to monitor the effectiveness of lipid-lowering treatments.
Parameters Measured:
- Total Cholesterol: The total amount of cholesterol in your blood
- HDL Cholesterol: "Good" cholesterol that helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream
- LDL Cholesterol: "Bad" cholesterol that can build up in your arteries
- Triglycerides: A type of fat in the blood
- Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio: A calculated value used to assess cardiovascular risk
- Non-HDL Cholesterol: Total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol
Sample Type: Serum
Turnaround Time: Same Day
Fasting Required: Yes (9-12 hours)
Additional Cardiac Tests
Apolipoprotein A1 and B
Proteins that bind to lipids in the blood
Lipoprotein(a)
A type of LDL cholesterol linked to cardiovascular disease
D-Dimer
A marker for blood clots
Fibrinogen
A protein involved in blood clotting
Myeloperoxidase (MPO)
An enzyme linked to inflammation and heart disease
Galectin-3
A protein associated with heart failure
ST2
A marker for cardiac stress and heart failure
PAPP-A
A marker for unstable atherosclerotic plaques
Cardiac Risk Assessment Panel
Comprehensive panel of cardiac risk markers
Test Information
Preparing for Cardiac Tests
- Fasting: Some cardiac tests, such as lipid profiles, require fasting for 9-12 hours before the test. Water is usually allowed.
- Medications: Inform our staff about any medications you are taking, as some may affect test results.
- Timing: For suspected heart attacks, testing should be done as soon as possible. For routine screening, morning appointments are recommended for fasting tests.
- Medical History: Provide information about your medical history, especially any heart conditions or symptoms you have experienced.
After Your Cardiac Test
- Results: Turnaround time varies depending on the test. Emergency tests like troponin are processed urgently, while routine tests may take 1-2 days.
- Interpretation: Our doctors will help you understand your test results and their implications for your heart health.
- Follow-up: Depending on the results, additional tests or consultations may be recommended.
- Lifestyle Changes: Based on your results, recommendations for lifestyle modifications to improve heart health may be provided.