Which blood tests are best for heart health?

Blood tests can be a powerful tool for understanding heart health. They're not a diagnosis, but when used early and in context they can help you make informed decisions about your health.

We explain:

• Can a blood test check your heart health directly?
• Biomarkers linked to heart health
• Blood pressure test vs. blood test: what’s the difference?
• What’s the best heart health blood test for me?

Can a blood test check your heart health directly?
 

Your heart is a dynamic organ. It pumps blood around your body, has chambers, valves, and arteries – it even sends electrical signals to keep your heartbeat regular.

There are some things a blood test can't tell you such as your pulse, blood pressure (more on that later), and structure. But it can tell you important information about biomarkers that link directly to your cardiovascular health.

These include:

• Cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• Lipoproteins
• Blood sugar
• Inflammation

Using a heart health blood test to give you picture of what's going on the inside, particularly before symptoms appear.

Biomarkers linked to heart health

Cholesterol

When it comes to heart health biomarkers, most clinicians will look at cholesterol status.

Not only can standalone levels of the 'good' and 'bad' lipids in your blood indicate your overall heart health. But the levels of total cholesterol can give you deeper insights into your cardiovascular risk.

Wondering how to check your cholesterol levels? We’ve rounded up the best heart health blood tests from Medichecks below.

Triglycerides

Another type of fat in the blood, high levels of triglycerides along with cholesterol can be associated with a bigger risk of heart problems.

Looking at your TG:HDL ratio can help you figure out if you need to take action.

You’ll usually find triglycerides as part of a standard lipid profile.

Lipoprotein(A) and apolipoproteins

While not included in standard cholesterol profiles, lipoprotein(a), Lp(a) and apolipoproteins A1 and B are a valuable addition to heart health assessments [1].

Blood sugar (HbA1c)

Having diabetes can put you at higher risk of heart conditions, and having poor circulation as a result of poor heart health can make the symptoms of diabetes worse [2].

High HbA1c levels over long period of time can damage your blood vessels. Looking at your blood sugar biomarker, HbA1c, can tell you if you have diabetes or prediabetes, and is often included in preventative health checks.

Inflammation (hs CRP)

Chronic inflammation can cause fatty material to build up in the blood vessels. This puts you at risk of heart attack. Chronic inflammation can also contribute to type 2 diabetes [3].

Checking your levels of-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs CRP) can indicate whether you’ve got chronic inflammation. It doesn’t directly give information about your heart, but may add useful context alongside the biomarkers mentioned above.

Vitamin D

Measuring your vitamin D levels alone won’t tell you much about your heart health. But a vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular conditions may have a link [4].

While it’s uncertain if taking vitamin D supplements will help reduce your heart health risk, everyone in the UK in winter is recommended to take them. And keeping an eye on your vitamin D levels is a good idea.

Blood pressure test vs. blood test: what’s the difference?
 

Measuring your blood pressure can give you valuable insights into your heart health – but it’s not the same thing as a blood test.

Blood pressure is non-invasive and measured using a cuff rather than a blood draw.

High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels, and if you have raised cholesterol and inflammation markers, it’s worth looking into with a medical professional.  You can read more about blood pressure measurements in our blog.

What’s the best heart health blood test for me?
 

There are a few cardiovascular blood tests to choose from, so you can find the right one to fit in with your lifestyle and routine.

Best for simple checks: Cholesterol Blood Test
A simple finger-prick at-home blood test that checks your cholesterol profile.

Best for core health: Core Health Blood Test
Measure or monitor your blood sugar and cholesterol profile.

Best for longevity insights: Apolipoprotein Profile Blood Test and Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test
Ideal for if you have a family history of heart disease, and your cholesterol profile is normal.

Best for risk review: Advanced Heart Disease Health Risk Blood Test
Your cholesterol, apolipoproteins, and inflammatory markers, all in one convenient test.

Best for advanced health checks: Optimal Health Blood Test
Our most comprehensive panel featuring cholesterol, inflammation, blood sugar, vitamins and more.

References

1. Ao L, Noordam R, Jukema JW, van Heemst D, Willems van Dijk K. The interactions of Lipoprotein(a) with common cardiovascular risk factors in cardiovascular disease risk: evidence based on the UK Biobank. American Journal of Preventive Cardiology. 2025;22: 101008. doi:10.1016/j.ajpc.2025.101008
2. Diabetes and heart disease. In: Diabetes UK [Internet]. [cited 23 Jan 2026].
3. Anti-inflammatory diet: what you need to know. In: British Heart Foundation [Internet]. 1 Dec 2023 [cited 23 Jan 2026]. 
4. Haider F, Ghafoor H, Hassan OF, Farooqui K, Bel Khair AOM, Shoaib F. Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Diseases: An Update. Cureus. 15: e49734. doi:10.7759/cureus.49734