Cardiac Blood Tests

Cardiac blood tests involve taking a blood sample from a vein in your arm that is sent for testing in a laboratory. There are numerous blood tests and each is used to check the specific level of the tested for substance.

Your GP or practise nurse may do your blood test, or you may have it done at a hospital, local health clinic or pathology service.

Blood tests that indicate heart problems include:

• Cardiac enzyme tests – these help diagnose or exclude a heart attack and determine your risk of heart disease.
• Troponin is the most common test after a heart attack. An increased level of troponin protein in your blood has been linked with the amount of heart damage following a heart attack and a higher risk of heart disease in people who have no symptoms.
• Full blood count (FBC) – this can show if you have an infection or anaemia.
• Thyroid function tests – indicate an underactive or overactive thyroid gland and can be linked to some heart conditions that have symptoms of a slow or fast heart rate or palpitations.
• Lipid (cholesterol) profile – high cholesterol levels can lead to coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Liver tests – how your liver is functioning can impact on your heart and may lead to problems such as the narrowing of arteries and heart failure.
• Clotting screen – checks if your blood clots too easily which could lead to a heart attack or stroke.
• BNP (B-type natriuretic peptides) tests – an elevated level of the hormone could be a sign of heart failure.
• Urea and electrolytes test – checks for chemical imbalances that could cause heart disease and abnormal heart rhythms.

There are many different types of blood test to examine the condition of your heart.

• Troponin – a protein released into your bloodstream when your heart muscle is being damaged. It is often done if you have chest pain. It can help diagnose a heart attack and the amount of damage to your heart muscle.
• Blood glucose (Hb A1c) - checks your blood glucose level and is used to diagnose diabetes.
• Cholesterol (lipid profile) – measures your cholesterol level and gives a breakdown of good and bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is used after a heart attack and to see the effectiveness of medications to reduce bad cholesterol.
• Liver blood tests – look at enzyme and protein levels that fluctuate with liver damage. They are used to assess if your liver is working properly.
• Full Blood Count (FBC) - looks at specialised cells in your blood. It can identify anaemia and rule out or confirm an infection or some viral conditions, such as myocarditis.
• Group and save (or group and screen) test – determines your blood group and checks for antibodies that can affect a transfusion. It is taken if you might need a blood transfusion. For example, if you are having surgery or you have severe anaemia.
• Urea and Electrolytes (U&E) - checks for chemicals, called electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium and magnesium, in your blood. Fluctuations can cause abnormal heart rhythms. Also tests urea levels that can indicate kidney function problems which can affect your heart. Often used to decide on medication dose of some heart medications that affect your kidneys.
• Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) – used to diagnose or show the severity of heart failure for patients showing symptoms. It is used to ensure the right medications are given at the earliest opportunity.
• Blood gas test – checks artery blood for oxygen and carbon dioxide levels and its chemical balance. It is used if you have trouble breathing or have lung problems in A&E and intensive care.
• International Normalised Ratio (INR) – measures how long your blood takes to clot. It is important to ensure you receive the correct warfarin (blood-thinning medicine) dose, if it is needed.

Blood tests are used to find out your risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

Elevated levels of substances in your blood, including fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides, proteins and glucose can increase your risk for blocked arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Liver blood tests can also indicate the narrowing of arteries.

If blood tests suggest a high risk of blocked or narrowed arteries, then your doctor will request further cardiology tests to confirm this.

The cost of a cardiac blood test will depend on the exact blood test or tests requested by your cardiologist and your Ramsay hospital of choice.

You will receive a formal quotation price for your cardiac blood test following your consultation with one of our expert cardiologists. This formal quote for your cardiac blood test will be valid for 60 days.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. Cardiac blood tests are covered by most medical insurance policies as long as they are deemed medically necessary by your doctor. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before your cardiac blood test.

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your cardiac blood test yourself. We offer interest-free finance so you pay 0% interest, no deposit and benefit from affordable monthly instalments.