High Cholesterol: Which Blood Tests Are Commonly Used?
The most common blood test for high cholesterol is a lipid panel, but LDL, HDL, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, ApoB and Lp(a) each answer different questions.
Heart Health
What Does a High or Low NT-proBNP Result Mean?
NT-proBNP is a blood marker used to evaluate heart strain and possible heart failure. Learn what high and low results can mean, what affects the number, and what follow-up questions to ask.
NT-proBNP Blood Test: What It Measures, Preparation, and Results
The NT-proBNP blood test helps clinicians evaluate heart strain and possible heart failure in people with symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling, fatigue, or trouble lying flat.
What Does a High or Low BNP Result Mean?
BNP is a heart-strain blood test most often used when symptoms such as shortness of breath or swelling raise concern for heart failure. Learn what high, low, borderline, and changing BNP results can mean—and why one number is not a diagnosis.
BNP Blood Test: What It Measures, Preparation, and Results
A BNP blood test helps evaluate whether symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling, or fatigue may be related to heart failure. Learn how BNP works, how to prepare, and how results are interpreted.
What Does a High or Low Troponin Result Mean?
A high troponin result usually means heart muscle injury, but not always a heart attack. A low or undetectable result is usually reassuring, especially when repeat testing stays low and symptoms and ECG are low-risk.
Troponin Blood Test: What It Measures, Preparation, and Results
A troponin blood test measures cardiac troponin proteins released when heart muscle is injured. Learn when it is used, how to prepare, why repeat testing matters, and what high or normal results may mean.
What Does a High or Low Homocysteine Result Mean?
A high homocysteine result can point to B12, folate, B6, kidney, thyroid, medication, lifestyle, or rare genetic factors—but it is not a diagnosis by itself. Low homocysteine is usually less clinically significant and is interpreted with your lab’s reference range and other results.
What Does a High or Low hs-CRP Result Mean?
High hs-CRP usually means more inflammation is present, while low hs-CRP is generally a favorable cardiovascular-risk marker. Learn common ranges, causes, and next steps.
hs-CRP Blood Test: What It Measures, Preparation, and Results
The hs-CRP blood test measures very low levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammation marker often used with cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking status, diabetes risk, and family history to discuss cardiovascular risk.