Cardiac Screen-1

Cardiac profiles are performed to evaluate heart health and track coronary artery disease risk factors. These consist of the following:

1. Homocysteine

An example of an amino acid utilised to create proteins is homocysteine. The vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid aid in the breakdown of homocysteine. They also aid in its conversion to other compounds that your body need. The risk of developing cardiac problems rises when homocysteine levels are abnormal.

1. HsCRP

C-reactive protein, or HsCRP, is an acute phase reactant in inflammation. A high-sensitivity CRP test helps assess a person's risk of CVD, heart attacks, strokes, and health before one of these conditions arises.

1. Troponin

It is an increased cardiac marker found in people with acute myocardial infarction. A highly sensitive assay can identify elevated Troponin-I levels as early as three hours following the onset of chest discomfort.

1. Apolipoproteins

The test is recommended to determine how inflamed the blood vessels are. Compared to a routine cholesterol check, this provides a more thorough picture of the risk of developing heart disease.

1. Lp-pla2

It is an inflammatory biomarker specific to the vascular system. It indicates the likelihood of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is helpful in situations of early-stage cardiovascular disorders, hypercholesterolemia in the family, and blood vessel problems with normal triglycerides and total cholesterol levels.

1. Lipid profile 2

It is a series of tests. It gauges blood cholesterol levels and, by extension, the health of the heart's blood arteries.

The test measures specific amounts of homocysteine, HsCRP, troponin 1, apolipoproteins, and Lp-pla2. The lipid profile 2 parameters are also measured in addition to this.

If you are older than 40 or if you have any of the risk factors for heart disease, cardiac screening is incredibly crucial. There are several risk factors. Some of them are a family history of heart disease, being overweight, smoking, consuming large amounts of alcohol, living a sedentary lifestyle, or having a condition like high blood pressure.

Regular heart health exams and cardiac screenings should start at age 20. The majority of testing should be carried out every two to four years.

A blood sample is required for this test. On the upper arm, an elastic band is firmly fastened. A fist is then requested from the patient. This aids in the veins' filling up with blood. Before inserting the needle, the skin is cleaned. A vacutainer is used to collect the blood sample. In a sterile container, regular pee is collected.

• High Lp- PLA2 levels may indicate the necessity for more aggressive lipid-lowering medication.
• Low levels could indicate that Lp- PLA2 levels are not a factor in the development of cardiac disease.
• High levels of apo A may lower the risk of peripheral vascular illnesses, heart disease, and stroke.
• Low levels could make a stroke and heart attack more likely.
• Atherosclerosis is the thickening or blockage of the artery walls. It is caused by cholesterol buildup in the arterial walls due to high levels of apo B.
• Deficits in Apo-B, such as those seen in Tangier's disease or fish eye sickness, can also result in low levels.
• High homocysteine levels are a crucial indicator for determining the risk of coronary heart disease.
• A sensitive indicator of increased cardiovascular risk in both men and women is high HsCRP.
• Myocardial infarction is characterised by high troponin 1 level.
• Low HDL levels, and high total, LDL, and VLDL cholesterol increase heart disease risk.

Myocardial infarction is a serious medical emergency in which the heart muscle dies from a lack of blood flow. This typically results from a blockage in the arteries that carry blood to your heart. This is also referred to as a heart attack, which results in death and causes serious harm to other organs.

The coronary arteries, which carry blood to your heart, are impacted by coronary artery disease (CAD). One or more of your coronary arteries get blocked or progressively narrow with CAD.

The most frequent symptom is angina, which causes chest pain. A heart attack or other consequences like arrhythmia or heart failure can result from CAD.

References

1. https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-dictionary/cardiac-screening#:~:text=Cardiac%20screening%20is%20the%20process,catch%20any%20possible%20problems%20early.
2. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/screening-cardiac
3. https://www.cardiacscreen.co.uk/cardiac-screening.php
4. https://www.beaumont.org/health-wellness/blogs/heart-screenings-why-and-when-you-need-them
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353118
6. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/heart-and-blood-vessels/common-tests/tests-for-diagnosing-heart-conditions
7. https://cdphe.colorado.gov/wisewoman/what-happens-during-heart-health-screening#:~:text=The%20questionnaire%20asks%20about%20your,for%20cholesterol%20and%20blood%20sugar.
8. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/programs/heart/preparing.html#:~:text=Do%20not%20eat%20or%20drink%20anything%20for%20at%20least%206,medicines%20that%20you%20normally%20take.

Heart Screening

Homocysteine

HsCRP

Troponin I

Apolipoproteins

Lp-PLA2

Lipid Profile-2