In Nigeria, Ischaemic Heart Disease is one of the major causes of mortality. In 2018, according to the World Health Organization, 108,578 deaths were caused by Ischaemic Heart Disease in Nigeria. Out of 100,000 deaths, 197.37 can be traced to Ischaemic Heart Disease, giving a death rate of  5.60% for this condition.

Ischaemic Heart Disease, also known as Coronary Heart Disease, is a condition of recurring chest pain or discomfort that occurs when a part of the heart does not receive enough blood. It begins when blood cholesterol is high and cholesterol particles in the blood accumulate on the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This leads to the formation of deposits called “plaques” which narrow the arteries and blocks the flow of blood. The restriction in blood flow reduces oxygen supplied to the heart muscle which leads to Ischaemic Heart Disease.

Diabetes, a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, physical inactivity, smoking, obesity are some of the risk factors of Ischaemic Heart Disease.

Laboratory Diagnosis of Ischaemic Heart Disease

Is it possible to detect IHD before it occurs? Yes! The following laboratory tests are important in diagnosing Ischaemic Heart Disease:

• Complete Blood Count with Differential: This detects anaemia and other blood-related diseases.
• Glycated Haemoglobin or Haemoglobin A1c (HgA1c)
• Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) or Fasting Glucose
• Lipid Profile Tests: Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Lipoprotein (a), Apolipoprotein B (Apo B), Fasting lipid test.
• Liver Function Tests: Alanine Transferase, Aspartate Transferase.

These tests detect the possibility of having IHD and they help in preventing its occurrence. In people with IHD, they help in monitoring treatments.

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