THE USEFULNESS OF A CARDIAC PROFILE TEST IN DIAGNOSING HEART CONDITIONS

What is a cardiac profile test?

A cardiac profile test is a comprehensive panel of tests used to measure and analyze cardiac markers in the body, helping evaluate the heart’s overall functioning and health.

In general, a cardiac profile test includes tests like:

1. Complete Blood Count: This is a test that provides information about the composition of our blood. It measures our white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
2. Cholesterol Test: A cholesterol test is a blood test that measures the different fats in our body (high and low density). An extremely high LDL often indicates heart disease or risk of heart disease.
3. Creatine Phosphokinase test: This test measures levels of creatine phosphokinase. If a patient’s CPK is low, it may indicate an injury to the heart due to a heart attack.
4. Fasting blood sugar test: This test measures the glucose in a patient’s blood before they consume any food or drink. Low levels indicate hypoglycemia, while very high levels may indicate diabetes. Both conditions can damage the heart.
5. Urine culture: This is a cost-effective screening to evaluate the colour, appearance, volume, density, and other elements in a patient’s urine. High protein levels in urine may indicate a higher risk for cardiovascular issues.

When might you need to carry out the test?

You might need to carry out a cardiac profile test as part of a general body check-up or upon a request by your doctor.

Doctors will often require your test if they suspect your symptoms point to a heart condition.

Symptoms that may necessitate carrying out the test are-

1. Chest pain, chest tightness, or increased pressure in the chest, or upper abdomen that results in discomfort.
2. Shortness of breath.
3. Sudden nausea, or vomiting.
4. Pain, numbness, or coldness in legs, or arms.
5. Pain in areas like the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back.
6. Extreme fatigue.
7. Sudden swelling in the legs, feet, ankles, or stomach.
8. Light-headedness, or dizziness.
9. Fainting.

NOTE

Even without symptoms, individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases should carry out these tests more regularly than annually.

Individuals who may have a higher risk when it comes to heart diseases include-

– Smokers.

– Obese, or overweight persons.

– Individuals living a sedentary lifestyle.

– Males above 45 years, or females above 50 years.

– Individuals with hypertension

– Individuals with a family history of heart disease

– Individuals with pre-existing heart disease, and those affected by diabetes.

What to do after testing?

Depending on your result and overall risk of coronary heart disease, your doctor or our in-house specialist will recommend treatment considering factors like age, gender, blood pressure, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits.

How can I book a cardiac profile test with Afriglobal Medicare?

Please contact us at 016291000, or 016290998  for your health bookings.  Alternatively, you may walk into any of our test centres near you for immediate medical testing.

If you’d prefer to carry out the test as part of a complete body check-up, click here to select and pay for any of our health packages.