Can Heart Problems Show Up in Blood Tests?
- Posted on: Oct 5 2026
Heart disease caused nearly 1 million deaths in the United States in 2023 alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — about 1 out of every 3 deaths that year. Moreover, cardiovascular conditions are the leading cause of death among men, women, and most racial and ethnic groups. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to lowering the risk of serious mortality, and they often start with routine blood tests. Here’s what you need to know, and when it might be time to speak with a cardiologist.
Can a Routine Blood Test Detect Heart Problems?
Yes, in many cases, a routine blood test can detect certain heart conditions. Perhaps the most common test that can reveal potential issues is the cholesterol test, which measures the amount of lipids, or fats, in the blood. A cholesterol test checks for the following:
- Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as “bad cholesterol,” as it causes plaque buildup in the arteries. Plaque impedes blood flow, forcing the heart to work harder to push blood through the body. An LDL level of 130 mg/dL or below is considered healthy, although lower is better.
- High-density lipoprotein cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is often called “good cholesterol,” as it removes LDL cholesterol from the arteries, improving blood flow and reducing stress on the heart. A healthy HDL level for men is 40 mg/dL, while for women, a level of 50 mg/dL is considered healthy.
- Triglycerides. These are another type of fat found in the blood which can increase the risk of heart disease. Anything above 150 mg/dL is considered elevated.
- Total cholesterol levels of all types. High cholesterol of all types is a leading risk for heart disease. Subtracting HDL levels from total cholesterol levels can give doctors a good idea of overall plaque buildup.
Other Blood Tests for Heart Diseases
Doctors also use blood tests to check for the presence and prevalence of certain proteins, such as:
- High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) – The liver makes this type of protein in response to infection or injury. It causes inflammation that can in turn lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. Doctors may view a patient’s hs-CRP alongside cholesterol levels and other risk factors to assess that person’s likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.
- Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) – This form of the enzyme CK is found primarily in heart muscle. Elevated CK-MB levels can indicate heart-muscle damage caused by a heart attack, myocarditis, heart surgery, or another condition.
- Cardiac troponin I or cardiac troponin T – These heart-specific proteins are released when heart muscle is damaged. Troponin is the preferred blood marker for evaluating a suspected heart attack, though elevated levels could also suggest other conditions.
- Natriuretic peptides (BNP and NT-proBNP) – These proteins are released in greater amounts when the heart has to work harder to pump blood. BNP or NT-proBNP testing can help diagnose or rule out heart failure, evaluate its severity, and monitor an existing condition.
Why Doctors Might Order a Blood Test for Heart Disease
A doctor might recommend that a patient undergo blood testing to check for heart disease if the patient:
- Maintains an unhealthy diet
- Has a sedentary lifestyle/does not get sufficient exercise
- Smokes or uses other tobacco products
- Drinks an excessive amount of alcohol
- Has certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of other heart ailments
- Has a family history of heart disease
At Cardiovascular Wellness, our mission is to provide outstanding, timely, and personalized care to the residents of Long Island. If you’re concerned about your heart health, we’d like to hear from you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ameeta Walia, and let us develop a comprehensive care plan that’s just for you.
Posted in: Heart Monitoring
