Cardiologist says these blood tests can predict heart disease risk ‘before you waste 5 years Googling your symptoms’

Cholesterol & Genetic Risk: “Lipid panel – LDL, HDL, triglycerides; Lipoprotein(a) – one-time genetic check; ApoB – counts all harmful cholesterol particles”

Blood Sugar Control: “A1C – 3-month average; Fasting glucose – diabetes screen”

Kidney & Metabolic Health: “Creatinine & eGFR – kidney function; Electrolytes – sodium, potassium, calcium”

Hormones & Inflammation: “Thyroid (TSH, T4) – rhythm & metabolism; CRP – inflammation marker; Vitamin D – linked to heart health”

Blood Health: “CBC – anemia & infection clues; Iron & ferritin – oxygen delivery”

Dr Yaranov also advises, “Bring this list to your annual checkup. Prevention today is peace of mind tomorrow.”

To verify this, we spoke to a cardiologist.

For someone with no symptoms, how often should these blood tests be repeated to effectively monitor heart health?

Dr Ravi Prakash, senior consultant cardiology at PSRI Hospital, tells indianexpress.com, “For individuals without symptoms or existing heart disease, most of these tests should be repeated every 1–2 years as part of preventive health care. Cholesterol and blood sugar control tests are often recommended annually, especially after the age of 35 or earlier if there is a family history of heart disease or diabetes. Kidney and metabolic health markers can usually be checked every 1–2 years unless risk factors such as high blood pressure or obesity are present.”

He adds, “Hormones and inflammation markers may not need frequent testing unless there are clinical concerns. Blood health tests, such as a complete blood count, can be done annually during routine check-ups.”

Which of these tests typically reveals problems earliest?

Dr Prakash says that cholesterol and blood sugar tests are usually the earliest indicators of developing heart disease risk. High cholesterol levels or insulin resistance often appear before high blood pressure or clinical symptoms develop. “Inflammation markers, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), may also detect early vascular changes that signal a higher risk of heart disease, even when blood pressure and cholesterol appear normal. Genetic risk testing is unique because it can identify inherited risks at any age, providing valuable information long before physical symptoms or lab abnormalities arise.”

How should individuals interpret borderline results, and when should they take immediate action versus continue monitoring?

Borderline results should not be ignored, as they often signal the beginning of metabolic or cardiovascular changes, which may not require medication right away, but they do call for lifestyle changes. “If multiple borderline results appear together — such as mildly high cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation — the risk is higher, and closer monitoring or early medical consultation is advisable. Immediate action is required if results show a sudden increase compared to prior tests or if borderline results occur in someone with a strong family history of heart disease. Regular follow-up with a doctor is key, as early steps can prevent progression into more serious disease,” concludes Dr Prakash.

 

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With cardiovascular diseases already claiming one in five lives in India, would you like to know more about why this epidemic is striking early and how preventive steps can lower the risk? Read here.