Question 1

What is Heart Disease?

Accepted Answer

Heart disease encompasses various conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and stroke. It is caused by atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries), high cholesterol levels, chronic inflammation, and other cardiovascular risk factors. The Lipid Panel is the most important test for heart disease risk assessment because it measures cholesterol levels including HDL and LDL that directly impact cardiovascular health.

Question 2

What causes heart disease?

Accepted Answer

Heart disease is caused by atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty plaques in your arteries that narrow blood flow to the heart. High levels of LDL cholesterol, chronic inflammation from elevated C-reactive protein, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and obesity all contribute to plaque formation. Over time, these plaques can rupture or completely block arteries, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious cardiovascular events.

Question 3

What is the best test for heart disease?

Accepted Answer

The Lipid Panel is the most important test for heart disease risk assessment because it measures your total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. For a more comprehensive evaluation, the Lipid Panel with Ratios calculates your cholesterol-to-HDL ratio, which is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular risk. The Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel is the best option if you want the most detailed analysis, measuring particle sizes and types including small dense LDL particles that are particularly dangerous. Adding the C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test helps identify inflammation in your blood vessels, another critical risk factor for heart disease.

Question 4

When should I get tested for heart disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have a family history of heart attacks or strokes, are over age 40, have high blood pressure or diabetes, smoke, are overweight, or have been told your cholesterol is high. Get tested immediately if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue during normal activities. Regular testing every 3-5 years is recommended for adults, but annual testing is important if you have multiple risk factors or are on cholesterol-lowering medications to monitor treatment effectiveness.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of heart disease?

Accepted Answer

Heart disease symptoms include chest pain or pressure (angina), shortness of breath during physical activity or at rest, fatigue and weakness, irregular heartbeat or palpitations, and swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet. You might also experience pain in your neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back. Some people, especially women and those with diabetes, have no symptoms until they experience a heart attack, which is why regular blood testing for cardiovascular risk factors is so important for early detection.

Question 6

Who is at risk for heart disease?

Accepted Answer

You are at higher risk for heart disease if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of early heart attacks or strokes. Smoking, being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, poor diet high in saturated fats and processed foods, and chronic stress all increase your risk. Age is also a factor, with men over 45 and women over 55 facing higher risk. People with inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or chronic kidney disease also have elevated cardiovascular risk.

Question 7

What happens if heart disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated heart disease progressively worsens as plaque continues to build up in your arteries, eventually leading to complete blockages. This can result in heart attacks, where part of your heart muscle dies from lack of oxygen, or strokes that cause permanent brain damage. You may develop heart failure, where your heart becomes too weak to pump blood effectively throughout your body. Untreated heart disease can also cause dangerous irregular heart rhythms, sudden cardiac arrest, and premature death.

Question 8

Can heart disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot diagnose heart disease directly, but they are essential for assessing your cardiovascular risk by measuring cholesterol levels, inflammation markers, and other factors that contribute to heart disease development. Tests like the Lipid Panel, CRP, and advanced lipid analysis identify risk factors years before symptoms appear, allowing you to take preventive action. Your doctor combines blood test results with blood pressure measurements, family history, imaging tests like EKG or stress tests, and physical examination to evaluate your overall heart health and diagnose specific cardiac conditions.

Question 9

How is heart disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Heart disease is treated with lifestyle changes including a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats, regular exercise, weight loss, and smoking cessation. Medications like statins lower cholesterol, blood pressure medications reduce strain on your heart, and antiplatelet drugs like aspirin prevent blood clots. Your doctor may prescribe beta-blockers to slow your heart rate or ACE inhibitors to relax blood vessels. In advanced cases, procedures like angioplasty with stents to open blocked arteries or coronary artery bypass surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow to your heart.

Question 10

How can I prevent heart disease?

Accepted Answer

Prevent heart disease by maintaining healthy cholesterol levels through a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like those in fish, nuts, and olive oil. Exercise for at least 150 minutes weekly with activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and manage stress through meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques. Control blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and get regular blood tests to monitor your cardiovascular risk factors and catch problems early.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with heart disease?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches that support heart health include eating omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, which reduce inflammation and triglycerides. Add fiber-rich foods like oats, beans, and flaxseeds to help lower cholesterol. Garlic, green tea, and dark chocolate with high cocoa content have cardiovascular benefits. Coenzyme Q10 supplements may support heart function, especially if you take statins. However, natural remedies should complement, not replace, prescribed medications and lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor for managing heart disease risk.

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.

Heart Disease Blood Test

What is Heart Disease?

What causes heart disease?

What is the best test for heart disease?

When should I get tested for heart disease?

References

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