Cardiologist Shares 5 Important Heart Tests Every Adult Should Know

Heart disease is one of the biggest health problems in the world today. Many people do not know they have heart disease until they experience serious symptoms, like chest pain or a heart attack. Because heart disease can develop slowly and silently, doctors say that early testing is very important. In a recent Instagram post, Dr. Jack Wolfson, a cardiologist from Arizona with more than 16 years of experience, shared five simple tests that can help adults understand their heart health better and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Dr. Wolfson said that instead of depending only on scans that use radiation, people should focus on tests that show inflammation, stress, and fat levels in the body. These tests can help doctors and patients track progress over time, especially when lifestyle changes are made.

The first test he shared is the HS-CRP test, which stands for High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein. This test shows the level of inflammation in the body. Dr. Wolfson explained that when the body has inflammation, the risk of heart disease increases. If someone has high HS-CRP levels, doctors try to find the cause of inflammation and reduce it through diet, exercise, and other habits.

The second test is the Oxidized LDL or Oxidative Stress Test. This test measures damage caused by stress inside the body. When oxidative stress is high, blood vessels can become weak, increasing the risk of heart disease. Dr. Wolfson said this test is helpful because it can be done at home using a urine sample.

The third test is the Lp(a) Test. Lp(a) is a special type of fat particle in the blood. Some people have high Lp(a) levels because of genetics. This means the risk can be present even in people who exercise regularly and eat healthy. Dr. Wolfson explained that even though this condition is genetic, there are natural ways to help lower the risk.

The fourth test Dr. Wolfson recommends is the Homocysteine Test. Homocysteine shows how well the body uses B vitamins. If the level of homocysteine is high, it may mean the body is not processing nutrients properly, and this can increase heart disease risk. Dr. Wolfson said that improving diet and taking the right nutrients can help reduce homocysteine levels.

The fifth test is the Omega-3 Fatty Acid Test. Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that support the heart and reduce inflammation. If the level of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood is high, the risk of heart disease is usually lower. People can increase omega-3 through foods like fish, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils.

Dr. Wolfson said that these tests give a clearer picture of heart health than some common tests that use radiation. He believes that focusing on nutrition, lifestyle improvement, stress management, and natural support for the body can help many people lower their heart disease risk.

He also explained that heart health is not only about medicines. It is about making daily choices such as eating whole foods, sleeping well, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and staying active. These simple habits can make a very big difference over time.

This guidance is especially helpful because heart disease often begins quietly. By learning about these tests and paying attention to early signs, adults can take steps to protect their health before major problems occur. The message is clear: understanding your heart early can help prevent trouble later.