ST2 Heart Failure Marker Test

In patients with chronic heart failure, ST2-Heart- Failure-Marker test helps monitor the progression of the disease. Heart failure is a chronic disease in which the heart weakens considerably and cannot pump enough blood to meet the demands of organs. ST2-Heart- Failure-Marker testing is an improved method to understand and predict disease outcomes in patients with heart failure. ST2 is a receptor protein that has been found to be associated with cardiac disease. Measuring the amount of this protein helps doctors estimate how the condition will progress. Your doctor is likely to alter current therapy to suit the prognosis based on this test.

No preparation is required before taking this test. You will have to be ready to give a blood sample. You can always consult your doctor if you have any concerns or doubts regarding the test.

The results of this test indicate whether the patient is at low risk or high risk. Values of ST2 lower than or equal to 35.0 ng/mL indicate low risk while greater than 35.0 ng/mL indicate high risk. The results depend on individual patients and so the interpretation varies accordingly. Patients with high level of ST2 are at high risk of experiencing unfavorable outcomes such as the need for heart transplantation, chronic hospitalization and even death. Do not get anxious with your test results as effective treatment strategies exist, and when given as the right time, can save lives. Your doctor may alter existing therapy according to test results.

A blood sample will be taken for this test. If you are already hospitalized, the method of withdrawing blood may differ. Most commonly, blood is withdrawn from the upper arm after tying an elastic band. A needle is inserted into a vein and blood is collected in a tube. The elastic band is then removed and the needle site is cleaned. You might experience a slight pain that feels like a pinch while blood is being withdrawn.