Blood Tests at EchoMed
Blood testing is a critical diagnostic tool for investigating any cardiac-related symptoms or risk factors, and so we have added our bespoke EchoMed blood test panel to many of our diagnostics packages. We believe it is important to not only gain control of your cardiovascular health, but also to have a clear understanding of how your whole body functions.
What can a blood test show?
People typically undergo blood testing to check their general health or to diagnose possible underlying issues if they are experiencing symptoms. As such, there are numerous reasons why a blood test could benefit you, including:
- Check your general health
- Diagnose if specific symptoms are a result of certain conditions
- Explore whether you’re more likely to be prone to certain diseases
- Appreciate how well an existing condition is being treated or managed
What biomarkers are included?
The EchoMed bespoke blood test panel includes 28 biomarkers:
- Full blood count: this assesses the quantity and quality of the red blood cells and platelets, which are essential for carrying oxygen and helping the blood to clot
- Electrolytes: salt levels, such as Magnesium, are important in regulating heart contractility and rhythm
- Cholesterol: a full lipid panel assesses your levels of good and bad cholesterol and can help predict your risk of heart attack or stroke
- Iron stores: iron is essential for maintaining a normal blood count, and iron deficiency is a treatable cause of anaemia
- Thyroid function: the thyroid gland releases hormones which regulate several bodily functions, including heart rate and blood pressure
- Muscle proteins: creatine kinase and troponin are markers of injury to the heart muscle and can be raised in response to an inflammatory condition or recent heart attack
- Kidney function: cardiovascular disease frequently coexists with kidney impairment, and many cardiac medications require careful monitoring of renal function
- Liver function: liver function can become impaired in patients with reduced cardiac pumping function, and abnormal liver function tests can also be seen in patients with very high cholesterol
We are pleased to offer this bespoke panel as standard. Additionally, on request, we can offer extended blood tests, including heart failure testing (NT-pro BNP), hormonal screening, and even full genetic testing, which looks for the key genes which cause all of the major inherited heart muscle and rhythm disorders.
Cholesterol blood tests
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood, and whilst we all have certain levels of cholesterol in our blood, which is needed to function naturally, those with higher cholesterol levels are at a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke due to fatty blockages (‘plaque’) within your arteries.
A cholesterol blood test measures the levels of cholesterol in your blood, including:
- Total cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)
- Non-HDL cholesterol
- Triglycerides
For more information on cholesterol blood tests, do not hesitate to contact our team today, with our specialists on hand to answer any queries.
The benefits of blood testing
There are countless benefits of blood testing, all of which highlight the importance of undergoing these checks and gaining a better appreciation of your body and general health. The major benefits of blood tests include:
Early Detection of Health Issues: Blood tests can identify potential health problems, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or thyroid issues, before symptoms appear, allowing for early intervention and better management.
Monitoring Chronic Conditions: Regular blood tests help track the progress of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or liver disorders, ensuring treatments are effective and adjustments are made as needed.
Assessing Overall Health: Blood tests provide a comprehensive overview of your general health, checking vital markers like blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and organ function, helping you maintain good overall well-being.
Personalised Treatment Plans: Results from blood tests can guide healthcare professionals in tailoring treatment plans, such as adjusting medications or recommending lifestyle changes specific to your needs.
Nutritional and Hormonal Balance: Blood tests can reveal deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, or hormones, allowing for targeted supplementation or dietary adjustments to restore balance.
These are just a few of the key benefits of blood tests and how they can help you gain a better picture of your health, which, when combined with one of our heart scan services, provide clarity on how your body is functioning.
How long do blood test results take?
We always aim to provide our patients with their results as soon as possible, ensuring we have reviewed all the necessary data when analysing your test results. You should expect to receive your test results within 72 hours, with our Doctors taking the time to talk through your findings with you and ensure that you clearly understand the information provided.
If your results are normal, with no anomalies or issues identified, then you may not need to take further action. If an abnormality is identified, the EchoMed Team will ensure you are clear on the next steps and guide you in the right direction, answering any questions you have, with further testing, treatment, or referral sometimes required depending on the nature of the condition. Private prescriptions are available on request.
Add blood tests to any cardiac diagnostics appointment
EchoMed’s blood testing services are available as part of our cardiac testing appointments. Should you wish to build a bespoke diagnostics package, please give us a call, and we would be happy to arrange this for you.
Contact us today to enquire about adding a blood test to your heart scan appointment.
Want to book an appointment? Book now
Why choose EchoMed?
When choosing EchoMed as your trusted blood test provider, you can be confident that you’re receiving a premium experience thanks to our track record of delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results to thousands of patients.
At EchoMed, we understand that cardiac investigations can be a worrying process for many people. Our experts will always take the time to go through your results in detail and ensure that you completely understand your health. All of our Doctors have received specialist qualifications, which, when combined with their years of experience in the NHS and across the private sector, means you are in the best hands possible.
Book an appointment
In just a few clicks, you can arrange an appointment that suits you. Book with EchoMed today. Whether you are concerned about unexplained symptoms, or simply wish to exclude any problems which may cause trouble later in life, our scans can help.
How To Find Us
Our Surrey Hills (Farnham) clinic is conveniently located just off the A31. We are situated inside the Carlton Yard Clinic (postcode: GU9 7RD), which can be accessed on foot off the southwest corner of Farnham Central Car Park.
From the car park, you will see a selection of signs attached to the exterior wall of the Carlton Yard Clinic (including ‘EchoMed: The Cardiac Ultrasound Clinic’). Walk around the left-hand side of this building, turn right in front of The Silver Sea restaurant, and continue through an archway with a metal gate. This gate is usually open – if not, please buzz the intercom and our team will assist you. The wooden door to the Carlton Yard Clinic is through this arch and immediately on the right.
Our South Coast (Emsworth) clinic is within minutes of the A27. We are situated on the ground floor of the Hampshire Health building (97 Havant Road, postcode: PO10 7LF), which offers free parking to the rear. On arrival, our receptionists will show you to the waiting area.
If you have any issues finding either of our clinics, please call 0333 444 3246 for assistance.
EchoMed: SOUTH COAST CLINIC
Hampshire Health
97 Havant Road, Emsworth
PO10 7LF
EchoMed: SURREY HILLS CLINIC
The Carlton Yard Clinic, Unit 1, Carlton Yd,
Victoria Rd, Farnham
GU9 7RD
0333 444 3246
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