Cardiac Risk Profile Test

Cardiac risk profile test is done to assess the risk factors for coronary artery disease. These include:
Homocysteine : Homocysteine is a type of amino acid used to make proteins. Vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and folic acid helps to break down homocysteine and change it into other substances your body needs. Abnormal homocysteine levels increase the predisposition to heart diseases.
D-Dimer: It is a protein fragment formed when a blood clot dissolves. Thus, gives an idea about the blood supply to the heart and other vessels.
HsCRP: C Reactive Protein  is an acute phase reactant in inflammation. High-sensitivity CRP is  a useful test for determining risk of CVD, heart attacks, and strokes and evaluating a person before development of one of these health problems.
Lipid profile 1: It a group of tests that measures the cholesterol levels in the blood, and thus the status of the blood vessels of the heart.

The test is done to screen for the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases that include heart attack and stroke.

Cardiac risk profile test measures the levels of Homocysteine, D-Dimer, HsCRP in the blood. It also measures the lipid profile parameters.

Cardiac risk profile test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

High Homocysteine levels  is also an important marker for risk assessment of coronary artery disease. 
High D-Dimer levels indicate a clotting disorder or a heart disease. 
High HsCRP is a sensitive predictor of increased cardiovascular risk in both men and women. It is used for assessment of risk of developing Myocardial infarction in patients presenting with Acute coronary syndrome. It also assesses risk of developing Cardiovascular disease or ischemic event in individuals who do not manifest disease at present
Lipid profile 1: High total, LDL, VLDL cholesterol and low HDL levels increase the risk of heart diseases.

Abnormal results may indicate a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications caused by clogged arteries. The parameters are read as follows:

• • Elevated homocysteine levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Elevated levels of D-dimer can be a sign of blood clots, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Elevated levels of hs-CRP are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
  • If your cholesterol level is too high, you may require treatment to lower it. Medicine and lifestyle adjustments may be included. Any active sickness, such as an arthritic flare-up, might alter your total cholesterol level. If you have had an illness within the last three months, you should have this test redone in two or three months.

In most cases, no special preparation is required for a cardiac risk profile. However, some of the tests included in a cardiac risk profile, such as a cholesterol test, require the patient to fast for a certain amount of time before the test. If the patient is under any medications, the doctor or lab must be informed before the test.

A cardiac risk profile can provide important information about an individual's risk of developing heart disease. However, it is not a diagnostic tool and cannot tell you whether or not you have heart disease. It also cannot tell you the exact cause of your heart disease if you have one. It should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a stress test, to confirm the presence of heart disease. 

The normal values of the various parameters measured in the test are as follows:

1. 1. Homocysteine: Normal values are 5-15 micromoles per litre (µmol/L).
   2. D-Dimer: Normal values are less than 500 ng/mL.
   3. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP): Normal values are less than 3 milligrams per litre (mg/L).
   4. Lipid Profile-1:
      • Total cholesterol: Normal values are less than 200 mg/dL.
      • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: Normal values are less than 100 mg/dL.
      • High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: Normal values are greater than 40 mg/dL for men and greater than 50 mg/dL for women.
      • Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol: Normal values are less than 30 mg/dL.
      • Triglycerides: Normal values are less than 150 mg/dL. A very high result (500-1,000 mg/dL) raises your chances of developing pancreatitis.
      • Non-HDL cholesterol: A non-HDL cholesterol level of less than 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is considered optimal. Borderline high: 130 to 159 mg/dL.

A cardiac risk profile may be recommended for individuals who have certain symptoms or risk factors that suggest an increased risk of heart disease. Some of these symptoms or risk factors include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations
• Dizziness or fainting
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Fatigue
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol level
• Diabetes

Depending upon the results of your cardiac risk profile tests and your symptoms your doctor may prescribe other imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray, ECG, stress test, and echocardiogram. Other profile tests that may be ordered include the Atherosclerosis profile test. The diagnostic tests in an atherosclerosis profile include:

·         Blood tests

·         Electrocardiogram (ECG)

·         Heart imaging tests (Angiography, cardiac MRI, PET scan, CT scan)

·         Coronary calcium scan

·         Stress test

·         Ankle-brachial index test (ABI)

Cardiac Profile Test

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment Test

Homocysteine

D-Dimer

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)

Lipid profile

Cholesterol-Total

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

Non-HDL

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)

Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL)

Triglycerides

Cholesterol Ratios