Description
Individuals may order this test if they have an increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Common signs or symptoms of increased risk or presence of CVD include:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Heart attack or stroke
- Irregular heartbeats or palpitations
- Swollen legs, ankles, or feet
This panel includes the following test:
C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (hs-CRP)
Lipid Panel
Homocysteine
Fasting recommended.
Additional information about each test is listed below:
A C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (hs-CRP) blood test is used as a screening tool to assess a person's risk of developing heart disease by measuring the level of inflammation in the body, which is indicated by elevated hs-CRP levels; essentially, a higher hs-CRP level suggests a greater potential for cardiovascular issues, even in individuals who may not show other typical risk factors like high cholesterol.
A lipid panel, also called a cholesterol test, is used in heart risk screening to measure the levels of fats (lipids) in your blood, which helps assess your risk of developing heart disease by identifying potentially dangerous levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, allowing healthcare providers to identify individuals who may need further evaluation or treatment to lower their cardiovascular risk.
A homocysteine test is used in heart risk screening because elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, potentially indicating a higher likelihood of heart attack or stroke, particularly when combined with other risk factors; this test can also help identify potential vitamin B deficiencies (B6, B12, folate) which contribute to high homocysteine levels.
