Blood tests that measure levels of various types of cholesterol (LDL, HDL) and triglycerides, CRP, HbA1C, rapid tests for various respiratory diseases. These are important in assessing your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Blood tests are an essential part of a modern cardiology assessment. They help identify cardiovascular risk factors that cannot be felt or seen – such as high cholesterol, raised blood sugar or reduced kidney function – and support the diagnosis and monitoring of heart conditions. At Cardiology Center Zacharias Kounnis in Limassol, blood test results are interpreted by a cardiologist together with your examination, ECG and imaging, so that the numbers translate into a clear, personal plan.
Many of the most important cardiovascular risk factors cause no symptoms. As our article explains, high cholesterol has no symptoms but can silently clog your arteries. Blood tests allow these risks to be detected early, when prevention is most effective.
The tests chosen depend on your symptoms, medical history and risk profile. They may include:
Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol), HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. LDL cholesterol is a major, modifiable cause of atherosclerosis. In selected patients, additional markers such as apolipoprotein B may be useful.
Lp(a) is a largely inherited cholesterol-carrying particle that increases cardiovascular risk independently of LDL. The 2025 ESC/EAS Focused Update on dyslipidaemias recommends considering Lp(a) levels above 50 mg/dL (105 nmol/L) as a risk-enhancing factor in adults. Read our guide Lipoprotein(a): the cardiovascular risk you may have inherited.
To detect diabetes and prediabetes, which significantly increase cardiovascular risk. See cardio-diabetology and metabolic cardiology and diabetes control and heart health.
Creatinine, estimated GFR and electrolytes (such as potassium) are important for heart health and for the safe use of many heart medicines. Liver function is relevant when using some cholesterol-lowering treatments and in metabolic disease.
Thyroid disorders can cause palpitations, atrial fibrillation, changes in heart rate and changes in cholesterol. See our thyroid ultrasound and evaluation service.
Natriuretic peptides (BNP or NT-proBNP) help in the assessment of breathlessness and heart failure. Inflammation markers such as high-sensitivity CRP may help refine risk in selected cases.
Anaemia and iron deficiency can cause fatigue, breathlessness and palpitations, and are especially relevant in heart failure.
Blood test results are combined with your age, blood pressure, smoking status, family history and other factors to estimate your overall cardiovascular risk, using validated tools such as SCORE2. This risk estimate guides decisions on lifestyle changes and treatment. Read more in Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Cyprus.
When results suggest higher risk, further tests may be recommended, such as an ABI and pulse wave velocity assessment of the arteries, an echocardiogram or a stress test. Very high cholesterol, especially with a family history of early heart disease, may point to familial hypercholesterolaemia.
Blood tests are most valuable as part of a broader evaluation. They are included in our preventive cardiology programme, our integrated cardio-metabolic evaluation and the Check Up Plus heart check-up.
For most cholesterol tests, fasting is not essential. However, fasting may be recommended in some situations, for example when triglycerides are high or when fasting glucose is measured. The clinic will advise you when booking.
This depends on your age, risk level and whether you are on treatment. Read why cholesterol checks matter.
Yes. Previous results help us see trends over time and avoid unnecessary repeat testing.
To arrange an appointment, call +357 25 389696 or contact our cardiology centre in Limassol. Bring any previous reports, test results and a list of your current medicines. If you are unsure which test you need, the team can help you decide before your visit. You can also read more about Dr Zacharias Kounnis and our cardiology centre.
This page provides general information and does not replace a medical consultation. If you have severe chest pain, sudden breathlessness or fainting, call 112 immediately.