Cardiovascular Diagnostic Procedures and Laboratory Tests Overview

Cardiovascular Diagnostic Procedures

• Laboratory tests include serum electrolytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein

Coagulation Tests

• PPT (partial thromboplastin time) and anti-XA are used to monitor clients on heparin therapy
• PT (prothrombin time) and INR (international normalized ratio) are used to monitor clients on warfarin therapy

Renal Function and Perfusion

• BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine reflect renal function and perfusion

Lipid Profile

• Total serum cholesterol: a level above 200 indicates a risk for cardiovascular disease
• LDL (low-density lipoprotein): less than 100mg/di is desirable
• HDL (high-density lipoprotein): greater than 40mg/di for men and 50mg/di for women
• Triglycerides: less than 150mg/di

Heart Failure

• B-type Natriuretic peptide (BNP): an increase above 50pg/ml indicates worsening heart failure

Enzymes

• CK-MB (creatine kinase-MB): increases within 4-6 hours following an MI and remains elevated up to 72 hours (normal 30-170 units)
• Troponin (cTnI and cTnT): a protein specific to heart muscle, increases 3-4 hours after MI and remains elevated for up to 2 weeks (normal is less than 0.2ng/di)
• Myoglobin: peaks within 3-15 hours following an MI

Central Venous Pressure

• Indicates pressures in the right atrium, with trends being more important than the values