Blood test information for: HEART DISEASE including a check of your HOMOCYSTEINE LEVEL CLICK HERE to order this or 400+ other blood tests ON-LINE or order toll-free at 1-800-456-4647 ext. 203 (see also,  Heart Disease Test...that does NOT include checking for your Homocysteine level)  CLICK HERE for the info on heart disease test without homocysteine level YOUR TIME SPENT FOR A BLOOD DRAW:   Less than 10 minutes                                                                     (No previous M.D. or clinic visit required)                                                                     (No previous prescription needed)                                                                     (No appointment necessary) BLOOD TEST RESULTS CONFIDENTIALLY AVAILABLE TO YOU:  Usually within 24- 48 hours REASON FOR TEST:  Heart health assessment A Healthy Heart Cross-Section The illustration shows a cross-section of a healthy heart and its inside structures. The blue arrow shows the direction in which oxygen-poor blood flows from the body to the lungs. The red arrow shows the direction in which oxygen-rich blood flows from the lungs to the rest of the body. BLOOD testS (SCREENS) FOR HEART DISEASE + YOUR HOMOCYSTEINE LEVEL ARE NECESSARY FOR THIS REASON: This panel provides information about your risk of developing heart disease by providing a comprehensive assessment of your blood levels of certain lipids and lipid-protein complexes AND YOUR HOMOCYSTEINE LEVEL.  Testing  is also important for monitoring whether life-style changes or medications are successfully lowering blood lipids (fats). NOTE:  High levels of homocysteine in the blood appear to make for an elevated risk of cardiovascular - heart and vessel - disease.  Homocysteine can damage blood vessels in several ways. It injures the cells that line arteries and stimulates the growth of smooth muscle cells. Homocysteine can also disrupt normal blood clotting mechanisms, increasing the risk of clots that can bring on a heart attack or stroke.  Elevated levels of homocysteine also appear to increase the chance of Alzheimer's disease. WHO SHOULD BE TESTED FOR HEART DISEASE:  (1) Anyone over the age of 25, as suggested by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the United States National Institutes of Health.  (2) All individuals with a known heart disease  (3) All individuals with a family history of heart disease. SCREEN YOUR BLOOD FOR HEART DISEASE HOW OFTEN? Age 25-35: Every 10 years Age 35-45: Every 5 years Age 45-5: Every 2 years Age 55+: Annually  BLOOD SCREENING FOR HEART DISEASE WITH THIS TEST INCLUDES:    Testing for Total Cholesterol; HDL Cholesterol; LDL Cholesterol Triglycerides (Your blood level of this fat) Homocysteine (An Amino Acid that negatively impacts a healthy heart) (see also,  $35 Heart Disease Test...that does NOT include checking for your Homocysteine level)  TESTING YOUR BLOOD FOR HEART DISEASE WILL TELL YOU:  Abnormalities of cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism have been shown to be predictive of increased risk for disease of the arteries which predispose to heart attack and stroke (bleeding or clotting in the brain). Homocysteine is known to contribute to arterial disease by accelerating thickening and scarring of the arterial walls.  Your results are compared to existing norms, which will provide an indication of your relative risk for the development of arterial and heart disease. Because there are interventions which can significantly alter the levels of these factors, early knowledge of abnormal levels can allow you to take the necessary measures - to take action - and reduce your likelihood of  heart-related disease. Blood tests that indicate abnormalities in your blood system- i.e., you are "out of normal range" - can alert you to take action.  That action might be a visit to a physician or simply a different diet and exercise.  In any case, "knowing" if something is wrong with you - and what is wrong - are the first steps to correction of a poor health condition.  A blood test can "keep you in the know" about your personal health! Blood System Information that is easy for you to understand!  Health-Tests DIRECT™ has a wealth of information about the body's blood system...and the many different types of blood tests we have available for you and your family.  It's written in "plain English" and in easy-to-understand layperson's terms.   It's available for you "free" right here "on-line"...and it's also free for you to review at our retail store in Costa Mesa, California.  Come visit us any day Monday through Friday 8AM to 5 PM! ♥ Health-Tests Direct™ can arrange any of 5,600+ types of blood tests for you in your city! YOU SAVE 40-70%!  CLICK HERE for our full list of discounted tests "HOW TO ORDER" A BLOOD TEST FROM US:  CLICK HERE for "Easy-as-1-2-3" HELP! Order your tests online or by phone.  YOU SAVE 40-70%  -  We Accept Most Major Credit Cards Call us toll-free:  1-800-456-4647 ext. 203...Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM P.S.T. (West Coast Time) Want to know what to expect when you call us?  CLICK HERE Privacy Policy     TO LIST OF BLOOD TESTS     TO HTD™ HOME PAGE  Who ARE we?  CLICK HERE for our complete company information. USE THE 'BACK' BUTTON ON YOUR BROWSER TO RETURN TO YOUR PREVIOUS PAGE GO TO OUR LIST OF BLOOD TESTS/PRICES         GO TO OUR HTD™ HOME PAGE