Comprehensive Heart Health Panel

Our comprehensive heart health test panel is used as a broad test for overall cardiovascular health and general wellness. This test can help determine the health of your heart as well as help identify if you’re at a higher risk for heart disease. The comprehensive heart health test is a combination of panels that test for different aspects of heart and general wellness. 

The following blood tests and panels are included in our Comprehensive Heart Health Test:

• Lipid Panel
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
• Routine Urinalysis
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential
• C-Reactive Protein (CRP) with High Sensitivity (Cardiac Risk Assessment)
• Homocysteine
• Lipoprotein (a), Lp(a)

Why Include These Tests?

Each test measures a vital part of heart and/or general health. 

Lipid Panel: The lipid panel looks for the overall amount of cholesterol and triglycerides (fat) in the blood. It’s important to monitor cholesterol levels because excess cholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: The comprehensive metabolic panel measures kidney and liver function, electrolyte and fluid balance, and blood sugar levels. It’s a way to evaluate the overall health of the body.

Routine Urinalysis: The urinalysis does a physical and chemical examination of the urine to determine the overall health of the patient. It can also help detect a range of illnesses, such as diabetes, urinary tract infections, and kidney disease. 

Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential: The CBC is a blood test that evaluates overall health by examining the individual cells that make up the blood. It’s typically used in general yearly exams as a tool to measure overall health and general wellness. 

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) with High Sensitivity: The CRP tests for the level of C-reactive protein in the blood. This protein is made by the liver and is the body’s response to inflammation. The high sensitivity CRP is a cardiovascular risk marker and is very effective in detecting inflammation. High levels of CRP in the blood can be a sign of a serious infection or other disorder. 

Homocysteine: Homocysteine is an amino acid found in the blood. High levels of homocysteine are related to an increased risk of coronary artery disease, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. 

Lipoprotein (a), Lp(a): Lipoprotein is a type of “bad” cholesterol that’s not picked up in typical lipid panels. Lp(a) is directly related to heart disease and can be an identifying factor when measuring heart health. 

How to Test for Heart Health

Testing for heart health is not only important, but it’s also easy. In order for you to get your heart health tested with HealthLabs.com, simply order the test and visit the lab. The lab technician will perform a blood test that will test the components of your blood.

Why is Heart Health Important?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone has a coronary event in the U.S. every 40 seconds.¹ 

In order to avoid experiencing a cardiac event, having a healthy heart is vital to living a long, happy, and healthy life. It’s never too early to begin putting an importance on the health of your heart. Habits that form today will only benefit you in the future. 

What is a Heart Healthy Diet?

A heart-healthy diet is one that supplies the heart and the body with enough nutrients to make it function well. It includes foods high in rich, fatty acids, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Incorporating these foods into a well-balanced diet can help improve the health of your heart.  

Diet and exercise are a big part of the equation. Forming healthy habits at a young age and maintaining those habits throughout your life will help you reap the benefits of a healthy heart. Even small things like switching to nonfat dairy or going for a walk after dinner can tremendously help improve your heart health. 

Some heart-healthy foods include:²

• Fish high in omega-3s
• Berries
• Seeds
• Healthy nuts
• Avocados
• Oats
• Whole grains
• Fruits
• Veggies
• Leafy greens
• Red wine
• Legumes
• Soy
• Garlic

Foods to avoid for a healthy heart:

• Refined or processed foods, like white bread
• Processed meats filled with preservatives and niacin
• Soft drinks and other sugary drinks
• Trans fats and fried foods

Ways to improve heart health:

1. Eat better
2. Physical activity
3. Get a reading on your levels and track them 

References:

1. "Heart Disease Fact Sheet." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_heart_disease.htm.
2. “12 Heart-Healthy Foods to Work into Your Diet.” Cleveland Clinic. https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_heart_disease.htm