Understand Lab Tests

Part of your physician’s toolkit for diagnosing and guiding treatment of cardiovascular disease will be laboratory tests. These tests, along with other in-office or in-hospital diagnostic tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) and stress testing, and wearable or implantable longer-term monitors for at-home testing can help complete a diagnostic picture of your cardiovascular health.

All of the lab tests described below are performed on a blood sample. It is likely that you have had blood drawn many times in the past, given the range of health information available through analyzing blood. Remember that while blood tests are a key diagnostic tool, your physician will consider your lab test results in conjunction with other test results and your individual risk factors, including your current health and individual and family medical histories.