Cardiovascular Disease Blood Test

What is Cardiovascular Diseases?

Cardiovascular diseases are conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, stroke, and arrhythmias. These diseases are caused by atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries), genetic mutations like MTHFR that elevate homocysteine, environmental toxins like mercury, and elevated TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide) from gut bacteria. The TMAO test is the most important screening test for cardiovascular disease risk because it directly measures a metabolite that promotes arterial plaque formation.

RECOMMENDED TEST TMAO (Trimethylamine N-Oxide)
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$211 $165
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Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No extra fees paid at the lab
No need to visit a doctor
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Results explained
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What causes cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease is caused by a combination of factors including atherosclerosis (fatty plaque buildup in arteries), genetic mutations, environmental toxins, and metabolic abnormalities. Specific causes include elevated TMAO produced by gut bacteria that promotes plaque formation, MTHFR gene mutations that increase homocysteine levels, mercury exposure from contaminated fish or dental amalgams, chronic cocaine use that damages heart muscle and blood vessels, and ineffective aspirin therapy that fails to prevent blood clots. Lifestyle factors like poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise, and chronic stress also contribute to cardiovascular disease development by promoting inflammation and arterial damage.

What is the best blood test for cardiovascular disease?

The TMAO (Trimethylamine N-Oxide) test is the most important emerging test for cardiovascular disease risk because it measures a gut bacteria metabolite that directly promotes atherosclerosis and arterial plaque formation, predicting heart attack and stroke risk beyond traditional cholesterol tests. The MTHFR Mutation test is essential for identifying genetic predisposition to elevated homocysteine, a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. The Mercury Blood test detects toxic metal exposure linked to increased heart attack and coronary disease risk. If you are taking aspirin for heart protection, the AspirinWorks 11-dhTXB2 test is the best way to verify your aspirin is actually working to prevent blood clots. These specialized tests complement standard lipid panels by revealing hidden cardiovascular risks that traditional testing might miss.

When should I get tested for cardiovascular disease?

You should get tested if you have a family history of heart disease, stroke, or early heart attacks (before age 55 in men or 65 in women). Get tested if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, unexplained fatigue, or dizziness. Testing is important if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking history, or high stress levels. If you are taking aspirin for heart protection, you should test to ensure it is working effectively. Testing is also recommended if you eat a diet high in red meat and eggs (which produce TMAO), have had significant mercury exposure from fish consumption or dental work, or if you use or have used cocaine regularly, as these factors significantly increase cardiovascular risk.

What are the symptoms of cardiovascular disease?
Symptoms of cardiovascular disease include chest pain or pressure (angina), shortness of breath during activity or at rest, and irregular heartbeat or palpitations. You might notice fatigue that does not improve with rest, dizziness or lightheadedness, pain or numbness in your legs while walking (claudication), and swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs. Some people experience jaw pain, neck discomfort, or shoulder pain, especially during physical activity. Women may have atypical symptoms like nausea, indigestion, extreme fatigue, or back pain. Many people have no symptoms until a heart attack or stroke occurs, which is why screening blood tests are critical for early detection of cardiovascular risk.
Who is at risk for cardiovascular disease?
You are at higher risk if you have a family history of heart disease, especially if relatives had heart attacks or strokes before age 55 (men) or 65 (women). Risk increases with age (men over 45, women over 55), particularly after menopause. People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity face significantly elevated risk. Smokers and former smokers, people who live sedentary lifestyles, and those under chronic stress have increased risk. Genetic mutations like MTHFR, diets high in red meat and processed foods that elevate TMAO, mercury exposure from fish or dental amalgams, and cocaine use all substantially increase cardiovascular disease risk. Ethnicity also plays a role, with African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans having higher risk than other groups.
What happens if cardiovascular disease is left untreated?
Untreated cardiovascular disease leads to progressive arterial blockage, significantly increasing your risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) and stroke, which can cause permanent disability or death. The heart muscle weakens over time, leading to heart failure where your heart cannot pump blood effectively, causing severe fatigue and fluid buildup in your lungs and body. Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) can develop, potentially causing sudden cardiac death. Reduced blood flow to your legs can result in peripheral artery disease, causing pain, wounds that will not heal, and potentially amputation. Chronic reduced blood flow to your brain increases dementia risk. Untreated cardiovascular disease significantly shortens life expectancy and severely reduces quality of life, making early detection through blood testing and prompt treatment essential.
Can cardiovascular disease be diagnosed with a blood test?
Blood tests cannot definitively diagnose cardiovascular disease, but they are essential for identifying risk factors and underlying causes. The TMAO test reveals elevated gut metabolites that promote plaque formation. The MTHFR genetic test identifies mutations that elevate homocysteine, a major cardiovascular risk factor. Mercury blood testing detects toxic exposure linked to heart disease. The AspirinWorks test verifies if your aspirin therapy is working to prevent clots. Cocaine metabolite testing identifies drug-related cardiovascular damage. These specialized tests complement traditional lipid panels (cholesterol, triglycerides) and cardiac biomarkers (troponin, BNP). Definitive cardiovascular disease diagnosis requires imaging tests like echocardiograms, stress tests, CT angiography, or cardiac catheterization, but blood tests are critical for risk assessment, prevention, and treatment monitoring.
How is cardiovascular disease treated?
Cardiovascular disease treatment starts with lifestyle changes including a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and processed foods, regular exercise (at least 150 minutes weekly), smoking cessation, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight. Medications include statins to lower cholesterol, blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers), aspirin or other antiplatelet drugs to prevent clots, and medications to control diabetes. If blood tests reveal elevated TMAO, dietary changes reducing red meat and eggs are essential. High mercury levels require avoiding contaminated fish and potential chelation therapy. MTHFR mutations are treated with methylated B vitamins to lower homocysteine. The AspirinWorks test helps ensure aspirin effectiveness. Severe cases may require procedures like angioplasty with stents, bypass surgery, or device implantation (pacemakers, defibrillators).
How can I prevent cardiovascular disease?
Prevent cardiovascular disease by eating a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and olive oil while limiting red meat, processed foods, and sugary drinks. Exercise regularly with at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. Maintain a healthy weight with a BMI under 25. Do not smoke and limit alcohol to moderate amounts (one drink daily for women, two for men). Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques. Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar through regular monitoring and treatment if needed. Get specialized blood tests like TMAO, MTHFR, and mercury screening to identify hidden risk factors. Limit mercury exposure by choosing low-mercury fish. If you have genetic risk factors like MTHFR mutations, take methylated B vitamins. Regular check-ups and early intervention based on blood test results are key to prevention.
What natural remedies help with cardiovascular disease?
Natural approaches that support cardiovascular health include omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil (1-2 grams daily) which reduce inflammation and triglycerides. Coenzyme Q10 (100-200 mg daily) supports heart muscle function, especially if taking statins. Magnesium (300-400 mg daily) helps regulate heart rhythm and blood pressure. Garlic reduces cholesterol and blood pressure when taken regularly. Hawthorn extract strengthens heart muscle and improves circulation. For elevated TMAO levels, taking probiotics and eating fermented foods can help modify gut bacteria composition. If you have MTHFR mutations, take methylated folate (L-methylfolate) and methylated B12 instead of regular B vitamins. Plant sterols (2 grams daily) help lower cholesterol. However, natural remedies should complement, not replace, medical treatment and blood test monitoring. Always discuss supplements with your healthcare provider, especially if taking medications like blood thinners.
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Long story short:
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  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
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Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
Can I cancel my order?
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We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
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TMAO (Trimethylamine N-Oxide)
Google reviews 505 reviews
$211 $165
What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
No extra fees paid at the lab

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