Heart Health Blood Test
Mar 2, 2026
Heart Health Blood Test
A heart health blood test measures cholesterol (total, LDL, HDL), triglycerides, inflammation markers (hsCRP), diabetes indicators (HbA1c), and advanced cardiac markers to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease—which kills over 160,000 people in the UK annually and remains the leading cause of death worldwide. The good news: most cardiac risk factors are modifiable, and knowing your numbers empowers you to take action before problems develop.
At Blood Test London, comprehensive cardiac risk testing costs from £295 with results in 2-3 days. A doctor always reviews every result, explaining exactly what your numbers mean for your heart health.
Why Choose Blood Test London for Cardiac Testing?
We go beyond basic cholesterol:
Standard NHS Check | Blood Test London Cardiac Panel |
|---|---|
Total cholesterol | ✓ Total cholesterol |
Sometimes LDL/HDL | ✓ Full lipid breakdown |
✗ | ✓ ApoB (better predictor than LDL) |
✗ | ✓ Lp(a) (genetic risk marker) |
✗ | ✓ hsCRP (inflammation) |
✗ | ✓ HbA1c (diabetes risk) |
✗ | ✓ Homocysteine (vascular health) |
✗ | ✓ Doctor interpretation + consultation |
A doctor always reviews every result—not just flagging abnormals, but explaining your overall cardiac risk profile.
What Our Heart Health Panel Measures
Lipid Profile (Cholesterol)
Marker | What It Shows | Optimal Level |
|---|---|---|
Total Cholesterol | All cholesterol combined | Below 5 mmol/L |
LDL Cholesterol | "Bad" cholesterol—clogs arteries | Below 3 mmol/L (below 2 if high risk) |
HDL Cholesterol | "Good" cholesterol—protective | Above 1.0 (men), 1.2 (women) |
Triglycerides | Blood fats—affected by diet | Below 1.7 mmol/L |
Non-HDL Cholesterol | Total minus HDL | Below 4 mmol/L |
Advanced Cardiac Markers
Marker | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
ApoB | Counts actual LDL particles—better predictor than LDL-C |
Lp(a) | Genetic risk factor—can't be changed by lifestyle, but knowing it guides treatment |
hsCRP | High-sensitivity inflammation—inflammation drives heart disease |
Homocysteine | Amino acid linked to vascular damage |
HbA1c | Diabetes dramatically increases heart risk |
Why These Matter More Than Basic Cholesterol
ApoB (Apolipoprotein B):
Each LDL particle carries one ApoB molecule
Counts particles, not just cholesterol content
Better predictor of heart attack risk than LDL-C alone
Target: Below 1.0 g/L (below 0.8 if high risk)
Lp(a) (Lipoprotein a):
Genetic—you're born with your level
Affects 20% of population
High Lp(a) doubles heart attack risk
Can't be lowered by diet/exercise (but knowing guides medication decisions)
Get Your Complete Cardiac Profile
Who Should Get Cardiac Testing?
Definitely Test If You Have:
Family history of heart disease (especially before age 60)
High blood pressure
Diabetes or prediabetes
Overweight or obesity
Smoker or ex-smoker
Sedentary lifestyle
High stress levels
Age 40+ (men) or 50+ (women)
Consider Testing If:
You want a baseline for health optimization
You're starting a new fitness programme
You have erectile dysfunction (often vascular)
You have inflammatory conditions
Understanding Your Cardiac Risk
QRISK Score
Your results help calculate your 10-year cardiovascular risk, considering:
Age, sex, ethnicity
Cholesterol levels
Blood pressure
Smoking status
Diabetes status
Family history
BMI
Risk Categories
10-Year Risk | Category | Action |
|---|---|---|
Below 10% | Low risk | Lifestyle optimization |
10-20% | Moderate risk | Lifestyle + consider medication |
Above 20% | High risk | Lifestyle + medication usually recommended |
How to Improve Your Cardiac Markers
Diet (Biggest Impact)
Change | Effect |
|---|---|
Mediterranean diet | Reduces LDL, raises HDL, lowers inflammation |
Reduce saturated fat | Lowers LDL |
Increase omega-3 (oily fish) | Lowers triglycerides, reduces inflammation |
Fibre (oats, beans) | Binds cholesterol for elimination |
Nuts (almonds, walnuts) | Improves lipid profile |
Reduce sugar/refined carbs | Lowers triglycerides |
Lifestyle
Change | Effect |
|---|---|
150+ min exercise/week | Raises HDL, improves all markers |
Stop smoking | Rapid HDL improvement, reduced inflammation |
Limit alcohol | Lowers triglycerides |
Lose weight (if overweight) | Improves all markers |
Manage stress | Lowers inflammation |
When Medication Is Needed
Statins may be recommended if:
High cardiovascular risk score
Very high LDL despite lifestyle changes
Existing heart disease or diabetes
Familial hypercholesterolaemia
Our Heart Health Testing Options
Essential Cardiac Panel - £295
Full lipid profile
HbA1c
hsCRP
Doctor review
Advanced Cardiac Risk - £395
All above plus:
ApoB
Lp(a)
Homocysteine
Comprehensive interpretation
Executive Cardiac + Health MOT - £595
Complete cardiac panel
Full health screen (50+ markers)
In-depth doctor consultation
Book Your Cardiac Risk Assessment
Price: From £295
Results: 2-3 days
Doctor review: A doctor always reviews every result
Fasting: 10-12 hours required for accurate triglycerides
Locations: 40+ across UK
Book via WhatsApp | Phone: 020 3951 3429
FAQ
Why test beyond basic cholesterol?
LDL cholesterol alone misses 50% of people who have heart attacks with "normal" LDL. Advanced markers like ApoB and Lp(a) identify risk better.
What's Lp(a) and should I worry?
Lp(a) is genetic—about 20% of people have elevated levels. High Lp(a) increases risk, but knowing allows targeted treatment and closer monitoring.
How often should I test cardiac markers?
Every 1-2 years from age 40, or more frequently if you have risk factors or are on medication.
Can heart disease really be prevented?
Most cases, yes. Up to 80% of cardiovascular disease is preventable through lifestyle modification and appropriate medication.
Blood Test London by The Wellness. Heart health testing from £295. A doctor always reviews every result.