Blood Analysis
When the heart muscle is damaged, the body releases certain substances into the bloodstream. Blood analysis is a diagnostic lab test that can identify the presence—and measure the levels—of these substances. This information can help a physician determine whether the heart is damaged and, if so, the extent of the damage.Conditions Diagnosed
A physician may order a blood analysis to confirm a suspected heart attack by measuring the levels of the following substances in the patient’s blood:
- Troponin
- Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Minerals
Procedure Details
A blood analysis involves taking a small blood sample for analysis in a laboratory. To obtain the sample, a medical professional will typically:
- Clean the patient’s arm with an antiseptic wipe
- Place and tighten an elastic tourniquet or blood pressure cuff around the patient’s upper arm to cause the veins in the lower arm to fill with a higher volume of blood
- Insert a needle into a vein in the patient’s arm and draw a small amount of blood into a vial or syringe
What to Expect
Blood analysis is a relatively simple procedure that may require fasting beforehand. It is also important for the patient to be well-hydrated before the test. No other advance preparation is necessary.
Effectiveness
A relatively simple but effective diagnostic test, blood analysis can provide a physician with important information that can be used to confirm a heart attack, plan treatment after a heart attack or determine a patient’s risk of heart disease.
Tampa General Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute offers blood analysis and a full slate of other lab tests for diagnosing heart conditions and evaluating heart function.