Cardiac blood tests involve taking a blood sample that is sent for testing in a laboratory. There are numerous blood tests and each is used to check the specific level of the tested for substance.

Blood tests that indicate heart problems include:

Cardiac enzyme tests – these help diagnose or exclude a heart attack and determine your risk of heart disease.

Troponin is the most common test after a heart attack. An increased level of troponin protein in your blood has been linked with the amount of heart damage following a heart attack and a higher risk of heart disease in people who have no symptoms.

Full blood count (FBC) – this can show if you have an infection or anaemia.

Thyroid function tests – indicate an underactive or overactive thyroid gland and can be linked to some heart conditions that have symptoms of a slow or fast heart rate or palpitations.

Lipid (cholesterol) profile – high cholesterol levels can lead to coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Liver tests – how your liver is functioning can impact on your heart and may lead to problems such as the narrowing of arteries and heart failure.

Clotting screen – checks if your blood clots too easily which could lead to a heart attack or stroke.

BNP (B-type natriuretic peptides) tests – an elevated level of the hormone could be a sign of heart failure.

Urea and electrolytes test – checks for chemical imbalances that could cause heart disease and abnormal heart rhythms.

These blood tests are used to find out your risk of heart and blood vessel disease.