Cardiac Risk Profile (Basic) Test
The cardiac risk profile (basic) test is done to assess the risk of specific atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, including coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and heart failure. This test comprises of the following 4 tests:
- D-Dimer, Quantitative
- High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP)
- Homocysteine
- Lipid Profile
Thus, the cardiac risk profile (basic) test may be ordered by a healthcare provider for the early diagnosis of cardiac diseases.
Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases
Chest pain (angina) or chest discomfort
Shortness of breath
Pain in the neck, throat, upper belly, or back
Pain/numbness in the arms and legs
Which tests are included under Cardiac Risk Profile (Basic)?
The cardiac risk profile (basic) test is used to evaluate:
D-Dimer, Quantitative:
-
D-dimer is one of the protein fragments that the body creates when a blood clot, dissolves. This test measures D-dimer levels and identifies blood clots. Getting your D-dimer test is recommended to diagnose conditions that result in hypercoagulability (an increased tendency to form blood clots). This test helps identify the following blood clot conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and stroke.
High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP):
-
This test measures CRP with high sensitivity which helps in identifying risk of CVD. The hsCRP test measures CRP that lies in the normal range for healthy individuals. It thus, helps to demarcate low normal level people from high normal ones. High normal levels of the hsCRP in otherwise healthy individuals can be used to predict future risk of stroke, heart attack, peripheral arterial disease, and sudden cardiac death, despite having acceptable range of lipid levels.
Homocysteine:
-
This test measures the amount of homocysteine in the body by diagnosing vitamin B6, B9, B12, and folic acid deficiency. A deficiency of these vital vitamins increases homocysteine levels, putting you at a greater risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Lipid Profile:
-
The lipid panel test measures triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Lipid profile test consists of:
- Triglycerides (TG): Triglycerides are associated with heart and blood vessel disease. Consuming simple carbohydrates and simple sugars, along with a high-fat diet and drinking alcohol, can cause high TG levels.
- Total Cholesterol: This measures your overall cholesterol level, i.e. a combination of HDL, LDL, and VLDL. High cholesterol level is directly linked to heart and blood vessel disease risk.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: Also known as “good cholesterol,” high HDL levels decrease the risk of heart and blood vessel disease.
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: Also called “bad cholesterol,” because its high levels are associated with an increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease.
- Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol: VLDL appears in the bloodstream shortly after we eat. A lipid profile is performed as a fasting test, so an elevated level of VLDL in the blood sample may indicate a metabolic disease.
Who should get tested?
People who have high risk of heart disease should get tested, they include people:
Who have advanced age
Who have family history of heart disease
Who are overweight
Who smoke cigarettes
Who have high blood pressure
Consume unhealthy diet
Who are sedentary
Who have diabetes
Who have pre-existing heart disease
Preparation for the test
Fasting blood samples are required for testing homocysteine levels as well as serum triglyceride and HDL levels, which come under the lipid panel. Therefore, before undertaking the cardiac risk profile (basic) test, it is essential to fast for a period of 10–12 hours. Make sure to inform your healthcare provider about the medications you are currently taking or any medical conditions you have.
Interpretation of results
|
Test name |
Results |
Inference |
|
D-Dimer, Quantitative
|
< or =500 ng/mL fibrinogen-equivalent units (FEU) |
Negative result (below normal): No clot formation Positive result (above normal): Indicates thrombus (blood clot) formation |
|
High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP)
|
Range of CRP levels · 0.5-1.0mg/L
· 1-3mg/L
· >3 mg/L |
Low risk of coronary artery disease Moderate risk of coronary artery disease High risk of coronary artery disease |
|
Homocysteine
|
<15.1 µmol/L |
High levels: Indicates vitamin deficiency and increased risk of heart disease/stroke |
|
Lipid Profile |
· Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL · Total Cholesterol: Up to 200mg/dL · HDL: 40-60 mg/dL · LDL: Less than 100 mg/dL (For people with diabetes: Below 70 mg/dL) · VLDL: 0-30 mg/dL |
Higher or lower than normal range lipid profile levels indicate borderline, intermediate, or high-risk ranges for cardiovascular diseases |
FAQs
How is the sample collected for the cardiac risk profile (basic) test?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm using a fine needle. This procedure typically takes no longer than five minutes.
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the cardiac risk profile (basic) test?
The results of this test are made available within 1-2 working days after the sample collection. However, this time could vary depending upon the diagnostic clinic.
Are there any risks associated with the cardiac risk profile (basic) test?
This test involves negligible risk. There might be slight soreness or tenderness around the site where the blood is drawn. Rarely, the site can become infected.
What can falsely elevate D-dimer test results in cardiac risk profile (basic) test?
It is possible to have a false positive D-dimer test result even without suffering from a blood clotting condition. Conditions that can cause elevated D-Dimer levels include advanced age, obesity, smoking, a recent surgery, infection, trauma, pregnancy, or childbirth.
Can one bad meal adversely affect the lipid profile values in cardiac risk profile (basic) test?
Having a bad meal prior to taking the cardiac risk profile (basic) test does not significantly alter the lipid profile values. However, eating has only slight, clinically insignificant effects on three parts of the lipid profile i.e. total cholesterol, and both HDL and LDL. Having a bad meal (high-fat meal) before this test can strikingly raise triglyceride levels for several hours.
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