Heart Health Blood Tests

Heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases affect 126.9 million Americans and are among the leading causes of death in the United States. You need to take a preventive, proactive approach when it comes to matters of the heart, and that’s easy to do with Personalabs’ blood tests for heart function. Place an online order for the tests you want, then visit one of more than 4,000 affiliated labs for convenient heart health tests near you.

The “Ratio” Approach to Heart Health: Why One Number Is Never Enough

Most people know their total cholesterol number. Few know the ratios
that actually predict cardiovascular risk with far greater accuracy.
Here’s what your doctor looks at — and what you should be tracking:

The LDL/HDL Ratio — Your Cardiovascular Risk Score

Divide your LDL (bad cholesterol) by your HDL (good cholesterol).
A ratio below 2.0 is optimal. Above 5.0 is high risk. A person with
total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL can have wildly different cardiovascular
risk depending on whether their HDL is 40 or 80. Total cholesterol
alone tells you almost nothing useful.

The Triglyceride/HDL Ratio — The Insulin Resistance Signal

This ratio is one of the strongest predictors of insulin resistance
and metabolic syndrome — conditions that dramatically increase heart
attack risk even in people with “normal” cholesterol. A ratio below
2.0 is ideal. Above 3.0 warrants attention. Above 5.0 is a serious
red flag.

Homocysteine — The Hidden Inflammation Marker

High homocysteine levels damage arterial walls and significantly
increase the risk of heart attack and stroke — independently of
cholesterol levels. Up to 20% of people with normal cholesterol have
elevated homocysteine. It is almost never tested in routine physicals
yet is one of the most actionable cardiac risk markers available.

High-Sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) — Arterial Inflammation

CRP measures systemic inflammation. Elevated hsCRP predicts
cardiovascular events better than LDL cholesterol in many populations.
The American Heart Association recommends hsCRP testing for
intermediate-risk patients. Most annual physicals don’t include it.

Reviewed by Edward Salko, D.O., Medical Director, Personalabs

The Role of Blood Tests for Heart Health

Heart disease and stroke can be life-threatening. It is absolutely crucial to stay on top of your cardiac health to manage risk factors or get proper medical treatment. High blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels increase your risk of cardiovascular complications, as do lifestyle choices such as smoking or eating a poor diet.

On top of that, your chances of developing heart disease can increase as you get older. We’ve developed a comprehensive selection of blood tests for the heart that provide valuable information for managing your healthcare.

Types of Cardiac Blood Tests

Our heart blood tests measure levels of lipids, hormones, fatty acids, triglycerides, and other substances that can indicate cardiovascular problems. We offer several types of coronary artery disease lab tests to choose from.

You can order blood tests for heart failure or blood tests for stroke, depending on your particular health needs. And if you want to regularly check your cholesterol levels, you can do that, too. Browse our blood tests for heart health to find the one that’s right for you.

Who Should Get Tested for Heart Disease

If heart disease and stroke run in your family, consulting your doctor and getting the recommended blood tests are essential for protecting your health. You may also want to order blood tests for heart disease or stroke if you have risk factors such as:

• High blood pressure
• High LDL (or bad) cholesterol
• Obesity or unhealthy body weight
• Smoking
• Lack of exercise
• A diet high in fatty, processed food

When to Order Cardiac Lab Tests

You should order blood work for heart issues as soon as possible if your doctor has recommended them, or if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease. Some tests, such as lipid panels that measure cholesterol, may be taken annually or at the guidance of your physician to monitor your heart health on a regular basis.

Check Your Heart Health Near You

The action you take today can reduce your risk of heart disease in the future. Personalabs deliver accurate results you can share with your doctor to develop a treatment plan and implement strategies for healthy lifestyle habits. You have the power to optimize your health. Shop our blood tests for heart function and stroke near you.

Frequently Asked Questions: Heart Health Blood Tests

What is a good LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio?

An LDL to HDL ratio below 2.0 is considered optimal. Between 2.0
and 5.0 is average risk. Above 5.0 is high risk and warrants medical
attention. This ratio is a far more accurate predictor of heart disease
than total cholesterol alone because it accounts for both harmful LDL
and protective HDL cholesterol.

What does a high homocysteine level mean?

Elevated homocysteine damages arterial walls and significantly
increases heart attack and stroke risk — independently of cholesterol.
Normal homocysteine is below 15 micromoles per liter. High levels are
often caused by B12, B6, or folate deficiency and can frequently be
corrected with targeted supplementation after testing confirms the
deficiency.

What is high-sensitivity CRP and why does it matter?

High-sensitivity CRP measures inflammation inside your blood vessels.
Elevated hsCRP is an independent predictor of heart attack and stroke
— often identifying people at risk who have completely normal
cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association recommends hsCRP
testing for patients at intermediate cardiovascular risk.

Can I order heart health blood tests without a doctor?

Yes. Personalabs provides the physician-signed lab order with every
purchase. Order online, visit any Labcorp location near you, and get
results in your secure account within 24-48 hours. No referral, no
insurance, no doctor visit required.