Editing Heart (section)

====Blood tests====
Blood tests play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of many cardiovascular conditions.

<!--Specific tests-->[[Troponin]] is a sensitive [[biomarker]] for a heart with insufficient blood supply. It is released 4–6 hours after injury and usually peaks at about 12–24 hours.<ref name=OH2010 /> Two tests of troponin are often taken—one at the time of initial presentation and another within 3–6 hours,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Coven|first1=David|last2=Yang|first2=Eric|title=Acute Coronary Syndrome Workup|url=http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1910735-workup|website=Medscape|access-date=14 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806121213/http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1910735-workup|archive-date=6 August 2016}}</ref> with either a high level or a significant rise being diagnostic. A test for [[brain natriuretic peptide]] (BNP) can be used to evaluate for the presence of heart failure, and rises when there is increased demand on the left ventricle. These tests are considered [[biomarker]]s because they are highly specific for cardiac disease.{{sfn|Davidson's|2010|pp=531}} Testing for the [[CK-MB|MB form of creatine kinase]] provides information about the heart's blood supply, but is used less frequently because it is less specific and sensitive.{{sfn|Harrison's|2011|p=1534}}

<!--General tests-->Other blood tests are often taken to help understand a person's general health and risk factors that may contribute to heart disease. These often include a [[full blood count]] investigating for [[anaemia]], and [[basic metabolic panel]] that may reveal any disturbances in electrolytes. A [[coagulation screen]] is often required to ensure that the right level of anticoagulation is given. [[Lipid profile|Fasting lipids]] and [[fasting blood glucose]] (or an [[HbA1c]] level) are often ordered to evaluate a person's [[cholesterol]] and diabetes status, respectively.{{sfn|Davidson's|2010|pp=521–640}}