Heart Tests

To assess the health and function of the heart, the following tests are available at our centre:

B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test

Purpose: Measures levels of BNP, a hormone released by the heart in response to stress.
Diagnosis: Helps diagnose heart failure by detecting elevated BNP levels, which indicate that the heart is under stress.
Management: Monitors the severity of heart failure and evaluates the effectiveness of treatment.
Prognosis: Provides information on the likely progression of heart failure.

Cardiac Troponin Test

Purpose: Measures the levels of cardiac troponins (Troponin I and Troponin T), proteins released into the blood when the heart muscle is damaged.
Diagnosis: Essential for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and assessing the extent of heart muscle damage.
Monitoring: Evaluates the progression of heart injury and the effectiveness of treatment.
Risk Assessment: Helps assess the risk of future heart-related events.

Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB) Test

Purpose: Measures the levels of CK-MB, an enzyme released into the blood after heart muscle damage.
Diagnosis: Used in conjunction with other tests to diagnose heart attacks and evaluate heart muscle damage.
Monitoring: Helps track the progress of treatment and recovery after a heart attack.

Myoglobin Test

Purpose: Measures the levels of myoglobin, a protein released into the blood when muscle tissue is damaged.
Diagnosis: Can help diagnose heart attacks, though it is less specific than troponin tests.
Early Detection: Provides early indication of heart muscle damage, often before other markers become elevated.

Lipid Profile

Purpose: Measures levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Risk Assessment: Assesses risk factors for coronary artery disease by evaluating levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and total cholesterol.
Management: Guides lifestyle changes and treatment plans to manage cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) Test

Purpose: Measures levels of CRP, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation.
Risk Assessment: Evaluates inflammation levels in the body, which can indicate an increased risk of heart disease.
Monitoring: Helps monitor inflammation levels and assess the effectiveness of treatments aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk.

Homocysteine Test

Purpose: Measures levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood.
Risk Assessment: Elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease.
Management: Assists in evaluating the risk of heart disease and guiding dietary or lifestyle changes to manage levels.

Lipoprotein(a) Test

Purpose: Measures levels of lipoprotein(a), a type of lipoprotein associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Risk Assessment: Helps assess individual risk for cardiovascular disease, particularly in those with a family history of heart disease.
Management: Provides additional information to guide treatment and lifestyle modifications.

Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Test

Purpose: Measures average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.
Risk Assessment: Helps assess long-term blood glucose control, important for individuals with diabetes, a major risk factor for heart disease.
Management: Guides diabetes management and reduces cardiovascular risk by improving blood sugar control.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Overview: Records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time using electrodes attached to the skin.
Purpose: Detect arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other cardiac conditions; monitor heart function; assess symptoms such as palpitations or chest pain.

Echocardiogram (Echo)

Overview: Uses ultrasound waves to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and function.
Purpose: Evaluate heart chambers, valves, and blood flow; diagnose heart diseases such as heart failure, valve disorders, and congenital heart defects; assess the effectiveness of treatments.

Stress Test (TMT or Treadmill Test)

Overview: Evaluates how the heart responds to physical stress or exercise, typically performed on a treadmill or stationary bike.
Purpose: Diagnose coronary artery disease, assess exercise tolerance, and determine the effectiveness of cardiac treatments; guide exercise-based rehabilitation programs.

Cardiac Stress Echocardiography

Overview: Combines a stress test with an echocardiogram to evaluate heart function under physical stress.
Purpose: Diagnose coronary artery disease, assess heart function during exercise, and guide treatment plans.

Cardiac Biomarkers Test

Overview: Measures specific proteins and enzymes in the blood that indicate heart muscle damage.
Purpose: Diagnose acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and assess cardiac injury.