Why consider an Advanced Heart Health Test?
Our screen is appropriate if you have concerns about your cardiovascular health, especially if you possess high risk factors, including:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- A family history of cardiovascular issues
Or lifestyle risks, such as:
- Sedentary or low physical activity level
- Unhealthy diet (high in fat and sugar)
- Often consume more than the recommended number of alcohol units
How can heart health be tested?
Our advanced heart health test will require blood samples from you, collected by one of our healthcare professionals. Once they have collected your samples, they will be sent to our accredited laboratory for analysis.
What tests will be run on my sample?
Our screen tests for the following:
- Homocysteine. High levels can indicate risk of heart attack or stroke
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Fatty build-ups in the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis, increase heart attack risk, stroke risk and peripheral artery disease
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL). A healthy level may protect against having a stroke or heart attack
- Non-HDL cholesterol. A high level may indicate that you are at risk of having heart problems or a stroke
- Triglycerides. A high triglyceride level combined with high LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol is associated with fatty build-ups within the artery walls, which increases heat attack and stroke risk
- Apolipoprotein A. This protein can help to lower your cardiovascular disease risk
- Apolipoprotein B. Elevated levels indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Lipoprotein. Substances made of fat and protein that carry cholesterol through the blood
- C-reactive protein. A high level of CRP in the blood is an inflammation marker. It can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, from infection to cancer. High CRP levels can also indicate that there is inflammation in the arteries of the heart, which can mean a higher risk of heart attack
- Lp-PLA2 (PLAC). This test measures the level of an enzyme in the blood which rises with the level of plaque. Rupture of these plaques could lead to heart attacks, strokes, and circulatory problems
How will I receive my test results?
After just three working days of your samples arrival at our accredited laboratory, your confidential results will be ready. You can see your results by logging into your secure patient area with a unique PIN and password we will provide you with upon making your booking. A member of our Patient Services team will contact you as soon as all your results are ready.
What should I do if my test reveals abnormal levels?
If your advanced heart health test reveals abnormal levels, you should seek medical advice. You may be recommended to make lifestyle changes and be prescribed medications which can lower your cholesterol. Better2Know can organise a private consultation with one of our doctors, who are located throughout Ireland.
How can I book my advanced heart health test?
If you wish to book an advanced heart health test, please call Better2Know on the number provided above. One of our advisors will be happy to answer any questions and process your booking.
Better2Know offers a wide range of health tests and screens at locations throughout Ireland. Our welcoming and experienced team are here to help 24/7 for your convenience.