Heart disease can also be prevented by early detection through regular check-ups. There are several screenings that can be performed to understand heart health, including:

1. Lipid Profile Examination, aims to see cholesterol levels in the body. High cholesterol can be an indicator of heart problems.

Cholesterol Examination includes:

▪ Total Cholesterol, measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, which can help determine the risk of fat (plaque) buildup in the arteries causing narrowing/blockage. ▪ Bad Cholesterol / LDL transports cholesterol to body cells through the bloodstream. However, when its level exceeds the normal threshold, LDL can cause heart disease due to accumulation on the blood vessel walls, disrupting blood flow. • Good Cholesterol / HDL is beneficial for overall heart health. HDL should ideally be 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women.

2. CPK/CK Test An increase in CK/CPK indicates muscle damage marked by muscle injury or caused by certain treatments such as statins.

3. Lipoprotein (Lp) Test It's a type of bad cholesterol (LDL). Lp levels in the body are determined by inherited genetics. This test is recommended for someone with a history of heart disease or a family member suffering from it.

4. CKMB Conducted for acute myocardial infarction conditions and skeletal muscle disease/damage. The presence of CKMB in serum, without trauma or other muscle damage, possibly indicates necrotic heart damage as a consequence of myocardial infarction.

5. Lactate Dehydrogenase To detect myocardial damage such as Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI).

6. hs-Troponin I The biomarker of choice for diagnosing Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), risk stratification, and prognosis.

7. NT Pro BNP Used as an indicator for heart failure detection. For asymptomatic individuals, the NT pro BNP test can also detect subclinical conditions at risk for future heart failure.

8. hs-CRP To assess the risk of heart and vascular diseases, especially when there's an increase in hs-CRP levels during chronic infections, inflammation, and atherosclerosis.

9. ECG An examination to measure and record the heart's electrical activity, evaluate muscle structure, valves, partitions, and overall heart function, and detect heart muscles impaired due to coronary heart disease.

10. Treadmill Test Detects the probability of someone having coronary artery flow disorders when triggered by activity.

11. Echocardiography Also known as a heart ultrasound, it is a technique for examining the heart and major blood vessels using ultra soundwaves. It's a supporting examination for doctors in diagnosing, determining treatment, and prognosis of heart and vascular diseases.

Written by: Dr. Surti Primaningrum (Medical Service Doctor at PRAMITA Clinical Laboratory, Jl. Prof. Dr. HM. Yamin No. 92A-92E Medan)