H-FABP blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) is a small protein that carries fats inside heart muscle cells, where they are used for energy. Because it is small and sits in the cell fluid, it is released into the blood soon after heart muscle cells are stressed or injured. Smaller amounts are also found in skeletal muscle, the kidneys and the brain.

Important: if you have chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain spreading to your arm, neck, jaw or back, sudden breathlessness, or symptoms of a clot, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. Do not book a blood test. H-FABP has been studied in emergency settings, but NHS hospitals rely on troponin and an ECG, and H-FABP is not a substitute for urgent assessment.

The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result with you, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• Your practitioner has suggested an additional heart muscle marker for non-urgent follow-up.
• You are building a detailed picture of heart and circulation health with other markers.
• You have had a previous heart event and want extra information to share with your care team.
• You understand this is a specialist marker and want a baseline value.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your H-FABP value and the laboratory reference range. A raised level can reflect heart muscle stress, but H-FABP can also rise after strenuous exercise, with skeletal muscle injury and with reduced kidney function, because the kidneys clear it from the blood. Because of this, a raised value needs careful interpretation.

A normal result does not exclude heart disease and a raised result does not confirm it. Any result outside the range is a prompt for discussion with your practitioner, who will advise you to contact your GP or seek urgent care if needed.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours before the sample, since muscle strain can raise H-FABP. Let us know about any kidney condition, recent injury or heart procedure and the medicines you take. If you develop chest pain or breathlessness before your appointment, call 999 rather than attending.

H-FABP is one of the heart muscle and clotting markers in Omnia Signature. For an established view of heart risk, Heart Health looks at cholesterol and related markers. You can also see every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is an H-FABP test in Chiswick?

An H-FABP blood test at Omnia Lifestyle costs £49. This includes the sample at our Chiswick clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

Can H-FABP tell me if I am having a heart attack?

No. A suspected heart attack is a medical emergency. Call 999, as assessment in hospital with an ECG and troponin is needed.

How is H-FABP different from troponin?

Both are released from heart muscle. Troponin is more specific to the heart and is the standard NHS test for heart muscle injury. H-FABP is a specialist marker with a more limited role.

Can kidney function affect H-FABP?

Yes. The kidneys clear H-FABP, so reduced kidney function can raise the level. Your practitioner may look at kidney markers when reviewing it.