High blood pressure is often called a silent killer because it usually has no obvious symptoms. Many people assume they’re healthy, until a sudden heart or kidney problem rises to the surface. This is exactly why early screening and detection are so important. By checking your heart and kidney function early, you can catch risks before they turn into serious emergencies.
While most doctors focus on cholesterol, that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Fortunately, there are specialized blood tests available today that can uncover hidden hormonal and inflammatory diseases before they become big health problems. These tests help find the real reason behind your symptoms, allowing for a much more personalized path to wellness.
Specialized Blood Tests You Can Get for Heart & Renal Health
Metanephrine Test
The Metanephrine test is a specialized tool used to check for rare but treatable hormonal issues that can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure. It measures the breakdown of products of adrenaline and similar stress hormones in your system. If these levels are unusually high, it could mean that your adrenal glands are overproducing hormones. Identifying this can help find a specific cause of blood pressure that does not respond well to typical medications.
Lipid Profile
A Lipid Profile is a comprehensive panel that looks at all the different fats in your blood. This includes LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. Many people think it’s just a simple cholesterol test, but it actually gives a vital map of your overall cardiovascular risk. High levels of unhealthy fats can lead to plaque buildup, which narrows your arteries and forces your heart to pump much harder. Keeping these fats in a healthy range is important for preventing long-term damage to your blood vessels.
Troponin T – High Sensitive
The Troponin T – High Sensitive test acts like an early warning system for your heart muscles. In the past, this test was mostly used to diagnose active heart attacks, but the “high-sensitive” version can now detect tiny amounts of heart stress long before a crisis happens. If your blood pressure has been high for a while, it can cause microscopic wear and tears on the heart. Finding even trace amounts of this protein in your blood helps your doctor see if your blood pressure is already starting to affect your heart’s health, allowing for quicker intervention.
Kidney Function Test
Your kidneys and your blood pressure are deeply connected in a constant loop. Healthy kidneys filter extra salt and fluid, and this keeps your blood pressure at the right level. If your kidneys are not working properly, they may hold onto too much salt or release chemicals that may force your blood pressure to spike. Kidney Function Tests that measure creatinine or filtration rate (eGFR) tell your doctor how well these organs are working. Because kidney issues can cause high blood pressure, and high blood pressure can damage kidneys, monitoring this relationship is vital.
Celebrate Heart Health Month: Taking Charge of Your Cardiovascular Health
February is Heart Health Month in the Philippines, making it the perfect time to prioritize your long-term wellness. High blood pressure is a significant concern for many Filipinos, often due to diet, stress, and lifestyle factors. Go beyond the basic screenings; use this month as a reminder to take a proactive step with your doctor and create a personalized plan that keeps your heart and kidneys in top shape for years to come.
Choosing Medi Linx as Your Send out Laboratory Partner
As a premier referral hub, Medi Linx bridges the gap for local laboratories lacking specialized equipment. Our lab acts as a high-capacity send out laboratory partner, processing complex tests for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases, like the Troponin T High-Sensitive, with state-of-the-art technology. By handling send-out samples with expert oversight, we ensure every patient receives accurate, clinical-grade results and a clear picture of their cardiovascular and renal health.
FAQs
What raises blood pressure?
Many things can cause numbers to climb—eating too much salt, lack of exercise, and high stress levels. Genetics and age also play a role, as blood vessels naturally become less flexible over time, making it harder for blood to flow smoothly.
What happens when BP is high?
When your blood pressure is high, it puts constant extra force on the walls of your arteries. Over time, this intense pressure can damage your blood vessels and vital organs, leading to serious health problems like heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure if left untreated.
What brings your blood pressure down?
You can lower your blood pressure by adopting a heart-healthy diet low in salt and staying physically active most days of the week. Doctors also frequently prescribe specific medications that help relax your blood vessels or reduce the amount of fluid in your body.
Take Control of Your Heart Health with Medi Linx
Your heart deserves more than just a standard checkup. This Heart Health Month, move beyond the basics with Medi Linx Laboratory’s specialized screening panels. Contact us to schedule your heart and kidney screening today!
