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.