Cardiac & Heart Tests in Swabi – ECG, Troponin & More

Hi-Tech Medical Laboratory in Shewa Adda, Swabi provides cardiac and heart health tests including ECG, cardiac enzyme panels (Troponin, CK-MB), BNP for heart failure, lipid profile, and homocysteine. Urgent cardiac tests are available with results in as little as 1–2 hours.

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.

Book a Cardiac Test