Dr Sanjay Bhojraj, MD, Integrative Cardiologist , in his August 14 Instagram post, highlights nine blood tests that can offer insights into cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, inflammation and cardiac strain. Want to know how healthy your heart really is? A routine cholesterol test may not provide the complete picture.
“If I wanted to know how healthy your heart is, these are the blood tests I’d order first,” Dr Bhojraj said while sharing his recommendations. (Also read: ‘7 best fruits for fatty liver’: Gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi shares fibre-rich fruits to support liver health )
Lp(a) is a type of lipoprotein that is largely influenced by genetics. Elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, making it a useful marker for understanding an individual’s underlying risk. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein, or hs-CRP, is a marker of inflammation. Dr Bhojraj describes it as a test that “detects hidden inflammation in the arteries. Higher hs-CRP levels can be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, although the test needs to be interpreted alongside other health factors. Hemoglobin A1c, or HbA1c, measures average blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months. Dr Bhojraj describes it as a test that “measures long-term blood sugar exposure. Persistently elevated blood sugar is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, particularly in people with diabetes. Vitamin D levels have also been linked with cardiovascular health. Dr Bhojraj notes that “low levels are associated with higher cardiovascular risk. However, an association between low vitamin D and cardiovascular disease does not necessarily mean that vitamin D supplementation prevents heart disease. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Dr Sanjay Bhojraj is a board-certified cardiologist with over 20 years of experience in traditional cardiology and a certified practitioner of Functional Medicine. Test results should therefore be assessed in the context of an individual’s overall health.
Bhojraj says the test “reveals inherited cardiovascular risk.
