With so many consumers becoming increasingly interested in participating in their own health, many start with their heart health.

Patients often depended on their physicians, in the past, to manage their health for them without any input.In the last 10 years, people are making a shift to become more active in understanding their own health.

Your overall health is important and one vital component to that is your heart health. However, with the use of some simple blood tests, you can monitor and hopefully decrease your cardiac risks.

Cholesterol Test - This test, often called a lipid panel, is a group of tests to measure the amount of various blood fats that you have.  Included in this test are measurements of your total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol).  This test is commonly performed as abnormal cholesterol levels can place you at risk for heart disease.

VAP Test - A more specific test is called the VAP test.This test provides improved assessment of your cholesterol.  New research has shown that the smaller particles of cholesterol determine your risk level to a much greater degree.Heart risk can be assessed by the VAP test since it evaluates smaller particles of cholesterol.

C Reactive Protein - Also called the CRP test, this blood test evaluates the amount of inflammation within your body.Elevated levels of the inflammation process within vessels can lead to increased cardiovascular risk.

Hemoglobin a1c - The a1c test is a simple blood test that measures your blood glucose over a 2-3 month time frame.  Unlike the fasting glucose test, this provides you with a larger picture of your blood sugar levels over time.  This becomes important as those with higher blood sugar levels can develop prediabetes or diabetes.

This lab work can monitor your cardiac health.It is important to consult with your doctor if you discover abnormal test results.  However, with good knowledge and proper follow up, you’ll keep your heart in check.

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