Question 1

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

Accepted Answer

Coronary artery disease is a condition where the major blood vessels supplying the heart become narrowed or blocked. It is caused by atherosclerotic plaque buildup consisting of cholesterol, fatty deposits, and inflammatory cells in the coronary arteries. The Lipid Panel is the most important test for assessing coronary artery disease risk because it measures LDL cholesterol levels that directly contribute to plaque formation.

Question 2

What causes coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Coronary artery disease is caused by atherosclerosis, a process where plaque composed of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances accumulates in the coronary arteries. This buildup is primarily driven by elevated LDL cholesterol levels, chronic inflammation, high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. Over time, these plaques narrow the arteries, restricting oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart muscle and increasing the risk of heart attack and other cardiac events.

Question 3

What is the best test for coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

The Lipid Panel is the most important blood test for coronary artery disease because it measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides that directly contribute to plaque formation. For more comprehensive risk assessment, the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel provides detailed analysis of lipid particle sizes and subtypes, while the Lipoprotein Fractionation NMR test measures the actual number of LDL particles (LDL-P), which is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular risk than standard LDL cholesterol alone. The Myeloperoxidase test can identify unstable plaques that are more likely to rupture and cause heart attacks.

Question 4

When should I get tested for coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have a family history of heart disease, are over 40 years old, have high blood pressure or diabetes, smoke, or are overweight. Testing is also important if you experience symptoms like chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath with activity, unusual fatigue, or pain radiating to your jaw, neck, or arm. Adults should have their cholesterol checked at least every 4-6 years starting at age 20, with more frequent testing if risk factors are present.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

The most common symptom of coronary artery disease is angina, which feels like chest pressure, tightness, or squeezing that often occurs during physical activity or emotional stress. You might also experience shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, pain in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back, and heart palpitations. Some people, especially women and those with diabetes, have atypical symptoms like nausea, indigestion, or weakness. Many people with early coronary artery disease have no symptoms at all, which is why screening blood tests are so important.

Question 6

Who is at risk for coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk include those with high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of early heart disease. Smoking significantly increases risk, as does being overweight or obese, living a sedentary lifestyle, and experiencing chronic stress. Men over 45 and women over 55 (or after menopause) face increased risk. Certain ethnic groups, including African Americans, Mexican Americans, and Native Americans, also have higher rates of coronary artery disease.

Question 7

What happens if coronary artery disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated coronary artery disease progressively worsens as plaques continue to build up and narrow the arteries. This can lead to heart attack when a plaque ruptures and forms a blood clot that completely blocks blood flow to part of the heart muscle. Chronic reduced blood flow can weaken the heart muscle, leading to heart failure where the heart cannot pump blood effectively. You may also develop dangerous heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), and the overall risk of sudden cardiac death increases significantly without treatment.

Question 8

Can coronary artery disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot definitively diagnose coronary artery disease, but they are essential for assessing your risk and detecting the underlying conditions that cause it. Lipid panels measure the cholesterol levels that contribute to plaque buildup, while advanced tests like Myeloperoxidase can identify inflammatory markers associated with unstable plaques. BNP levels can indicate if your heart is under stress from reduced blood flow. Definitive diagnosis typically requires imaging tests like coronary angiography, but blood tests guide treatment decisions and help monitor disease progression.

Question 9

How is coronary artery disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes procedures to restore blood flow. Lifestyle modifications include adopting a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress. Medications like statins lower cholesterol, while blood pressure medications, aspirin, and other antiplatelet drugs reduce complications. For more advanced disease, procedures like angioplasty with stent placement or coronary artery bypass surgery may be necessary to restore adequate blood flow to the heart muscle.

Question 10

How can I prevent coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Prevention centers on controlling risk factors through healthy lifestyle choices. Maintain healthy cholesterol levels through a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting saturated fats and trans fats. Exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid tobacco products. Manage conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes through regular monitoring and medication if needed. Regular blood tests to check cholesterol and other cardiac markers help you catch problems early when they are easiest to address.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

While natural approaches should complement rather than replace medical treatment, certain strategies support heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish or supplements can reduce inflammation and triglycerides. Plant sterols and soluble fiber from oats, beans, and fruits help lower cholesterol naturally. Regular consumption of nuts, especially almonds and walnuts, improves lipid profiles. Green tea contains antioxidants that protect blood vessels, and garlic may have mild cholesterol-lowering effects. Stress reduction through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can lower blood pressure and reduce cardiac stress.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Coronary Artery Disease Blood Test

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

What causes coronary artery disease?

What is the best test for coronary artery disease?

When should I get tested for coronary artery disease?

References

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