Community Poll
[TS_Poll id="1"]
Diagnosis Heart Failure: Blood Tests
- by One Heart Network
- No Comments
- Post Views: 109
Living with advanced heart failure has taught me the critical role of various tests in diagnosing and managing this condition. If you or someone you know is at risk, here’s what you should understand about these tests:
Blood Tests
Blood tests are a fundamental part of diagnosing and monitoring heart failure. They measure levels of specific molecules, such as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), which rise during heart failure. These tests also assess how well your liver and kidneys are functioning.
Measuring Ejection Fraction
Ejection fraction is a key measurement for understanding heart function. It represents the percentage of blood the left ventricle pumps out with each heartbeat. An echocardiogram (echo) or other imaging tests are used to measure it:
– Reduced Ejection Fraction: 40% or less, indicating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
– Preserved Ejection Fraction: 50% or more, indicating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
– Borderline Ejection Fraction: 41% to 49%, indicating borderline heart failure.
Other Imaging Tests
Imaging tests provide detailed information about heart function:
– Cardiac CT Scan, Cardiac MRI, Nuclear Heart Scan: These show how well your heart is working and can detect blockages in the arteries.
– Cardiac Catheterization with Coronary Angiography: This procedure examines the inside of heart arteries for blockages.
– Electrocardiogram (EKG): Records the electrical activity of the heart.
– Holter or Event Monitor: Worn for 24 to 48 hours to track heart activity during normal activities.
– Stress Test: Measures heart function during physical activity to diagnose certain heart problems.
Importance of Blood Tests
Blood tests provide critical information about your overall health and heart function. Although they are not the sole diagnostic tool for heart failure, abnormal results can indicate conditions that strain the heart, kidneys, or liver.
Common Blood Tests
– Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures red and white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, useful for diagnosing anemia, infections, clotting problems, and immune system issues.
– Blood Chemistry Tests: Also known as a basic metabolic panel (BMP), these measure glucose, electrolytes like calcium and potassium, and kidney function.
– Blood Enzyme Tests: Detect heart attacks by measuring troponin and creatine kinase levels.
– Lipoprotein (Lipid) Panel: Assesses fats in the blood, including total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides, indicating heart disease risk.
Specialized Blood Tests
– Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP): A hormone produced by the heart and blood vessels, with levels that increase as heart failure worsens.
– Plasma Ceramides: A newer test measuring ceramide levels, which are associated with atherosclerosis and increased heart disease risk.
Blood Test Monitoring
Blood tests are essential for monitoring heart failure treatment. They help doctors assess medication effectiveness, proper dosing, and potential side effects. For example, ACE inhibitors or ARBs require regular blood tests to monitor kidney function, and other medications may impact potassium levels or cause anemia.
Understanding these tests and what they reveal about your heart health is crucial for effective management of heart failure. Regular monitoring and early diagnosis can significantly improve your quality of life. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate tests and treatments for your condition.
*WARNING: Remember to always consult with your doctor before starting any nutrition or exercise program to ensure the program is right for you.
Dr. Angela M. Sterling, D.C. is a chiropractor in Blue Springs, Missouri. She has a passion for helping others that has led her down the path of Alternative Medicine into a career that allows her to provide patients with high quality health care. As a licensed Chiropractic Physician, she brings a holistic approach to medicine in order to find comfortable and effective solutions for everyone. Dr. Sterling is a Nationally Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic and Nationally Board Certified in Physiotherapy.
You can contact Dr. Angela Sterling by phone or text at (816) 425-0888 or via email at Angela.Sterling@chiroone.net.
What’s your Reaction?
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
Sign up for emails from OneHeartNetwork.com:
By providing your email address, you are agreeing to our privacy policy.
RECOMMENDED
Understanding Magnesium
No Comments
Living with advanced heart failure has taught me the critical role of various tests in diagnosing and managing this condition. If you or someone you know is at risk, here’s what you should understand about these tests:
Blood Tests
Blood tests are a fundamental part of diagnosing and monitoring heart failure. They measure levels of specific molecules, such as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), which rise during heart failure. These tests also assess how well your liver and kidneys are functioning.
Measuring Ejection Fraction
Ejection fraction is a key measurement for understanding heart function. It represents the percentage of blood the left ventricle pumps out with each heartbeat. An echocardiogram (echo) or other imaging tests are used to measure it:
– Reduced Ejection Fraction: 40% or less, indicating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
– Preserved Ejection Fraction: 50% or more, indicating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
– Borderline Ejection Fraction: 41% to 49%, indicating borderline heart failure.
Other Imaging Tests
Imaging tests provide detailed information about heart function:
– Cardiac CT Scan, Cardiac MRI, Nuclear Heart Scan: These show how well your heart is working and can detect blockages in the arteries.
– Cardiac Catheterization with Coronary Angiography: This procedure examines the inside of heart arteries for blockages.
– Electrocardiogram (EKG): Records the electrical activity of the heart.
– Holter or Event Monitor: Worn for 24 to 48 hours to track heart activity during normal activities.
– Stress Test: Measures heart function during physical activity to diagnose certain heart problems.
Importance of Blood Tests
Blood tests provide critical information about your overall health and heart function. Although they are not the sole diagnostic tool for heart failure, abnormal results can indicate conditions that strain the heart, kidneys, or liver.
Common Blood Tests
– Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures red and white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, useful for diagnosing anemia, infections, clotting problems, and immune system issues.
– Blood Chemistry Tests: Also known as a basic metabolic panel (BMP), these measure glucose, electrolytes like calcium and potassium, and kidney function.
– Blood Enzyme Tests: Detect heart attacks by measuring troponin and creatine kinase levels.
– Lipoprotein (Lipid) Panel: Assesses fats in the blood, including total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides, indicating heart disease risk.
Specialized Blood Tests
– Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP): A hormone produced by the heart and blood vessels, with levels that increase as heart failure worsens.
– Plasma Ceramides: A newer test measuring ceramide levels, which are associated with atherosclerosis and increased heart disease risk.
Blood Test Monitoring
Blood tests are essential for monitoring heart failure treatment. They help doctors assess medication effectiveness, proper dosing, and potential side effects. For example, ACE inhibitors or ARBs require regular blood tests to monitor kidney function, and other medications may impact potassium levels or cause anemia.
Understanding these tests and what they reveal about your heart health is crucial for effective management of heart failure. Regular monitoring and early diagnosis can significantly improve your quality of life. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate tests and treatments for your condition.
*WARNING: Remember to always consult with your doctor before starting any nutrition or exercise program to ensure the program is right for you.
Dr. Angela M. Sterling, D.C. is a chiropractor in Blue Springs, Missouri. She has a passion for helping others that has led her down the path of Alternative Medicine into a career that allows her to provide patients with high quality health care. As a licensed Chiropractic Physician, she brings a holistic approach to medicine in order to find comfortable and effective solutions for everyone. Dr. Sterling is a Nationally Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic and Nationally Board Certified in Physiotherapy.
You can contact Dr. Angela Sterling by phone or text at (816) 425-0888 or via email at Angela.Sterling@chiroone.net.
What’s your Reaction?
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
