Common Heart Tests

Apolipoprotein A1 
Apolipoprotein A1 (APO A1) has been reported to be a better predictor than HDL cholesterol and triglycerides for Coronary Artery Disease.  Low levels of APO A1 in serum are associated with increased risk of CAD. The measurement of APO A1 may be of value in identifying patients with atherosclerosis.

Apolipoprotein B 
Higher levels of plasma apoB may signify increased coronary disease risk, even when LDL-C is not in the high-risk range.  Prospective epidemiologic studies support the benefit of  tracking apoB in identifying CVD progression and risk for CVD events.

Apolipoprotein Evaluation 
(Apolipoprotein A1, Apolipoprotein B, Apolipoprotein B/A1 Ratio)Apolipoprotein A1 is the primary protein associated with HDL cholesterol. Like HDL cholesterol, increased concentrations are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Apolipoprotein B-100 is the primary protein associated with LDL cholesterol and other lipid particles.

BNP 
BNP is increased in congestive heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, acute myocardial infarction, coronary angioplasty, and hypertension. Elevations are also observed in pulmonary hypertension (indicating right ventricular dysfunction), acute lung injury, hypervolemic states, chronic renal failure and cirrhosis. Decreasing levels indicate therapeutic response to anti-hypertensive therapy.

C-Reactive Protein 
Increased CRP levels are found in inflammatory conditions including: bacterial infection, rheumatic fever, active arthritis, myocardial infarction, malignancies and in the post-operative state. To identify the presence of inflammation and to monitor response to treatment for an inflammatory disorder.

Cardio hs-CRP 
Elevated hs-CRP levels correlate with the presence of the metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and impaired fibrinolysis. In large epidemiologic studies, elevated levels of CRP have been shown to be a strong indicator of cardiovascular disease.

Cardio IQ Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility 
There is a correlation between increased risk of premature heart disease with decreasing size of LDL particles. Ion mobility offers the only direct measurement of lipoprotein particle size and concentration for each lipoprotein from HDL3 to large VLDL.

CPK (Creatinine Kinase) 
To detect and monitor muscle damage from certain drugs or to determine if you have had a heart attack

Digoxin 
A digoxin test is used to monitor the concentration of the drug in the blood. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside derived from the digitalis plant. It is used to treat congestive heart failure and atrial dysrhythmias. Digoxin levels are monitored to assure adequate therapeutic levels are achieved and to avoid toxicity.

Homocysteine 
Elevated levels of homocysteine are observed in patients at risk for coronary heart disease and stroke. Monitors the risk for stroke and coronary artery disease.  High levels are believed to increase the chance of heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis.

Lipoprotein (a)
Lp(a) has been linked to the promotion of both early and advanced stage atherosclerosis. Elevated Lp(a) is associated with increased coagulation and a three to five-fold increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

PT/INR (Prothrombin Time) 
The PT and INR are used to monitor the effectiveness of the anticoagulant warfarin. This drug affects the function of the coagulation cascade and helps inhibit the formation of blood clots.