Key takeaways
- At-home heart tests should not replace doctor’s visits, and they cannot detect blockages.
- Not all at-home heart health tests are comprehensive as only some measure A1C.
- The LetsGetChecked Diabetes and Heart Test is a good comprehensive option. The Everlywell Cholesterol and Lipids Test is about half the cost if you don’t need to test your A1C.
At-home heart health tests offer a convenient and cost-effective way to check your heart health from the comfort of your home. The tests cover various risk factors for heart disease, but typically include:
- total cholesterol
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein or “good” cholesterol)
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein or “bad” cholesterol)
- triglycerides (a type of fat found in the blood)
- hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), which is calculated based on the average blood sugar of the last 3 months
You’ll usually need to provide a finger-prick blood sample and send it to the lab for testing. You’ll then receive your results in an online portal or app within a few days without needing an in-person visit.
| Test | Price | Tests for |
| LetsGetChecked Diabetes and Heart Test | $99 | total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and HDL % of total cholesterol, HbA1C, triglycerides, lipoprotein (a) |
| Everlywell Cholesterol & Lipids Test | $49 | total cholesterol, HDL, calculated LDL, triglycerides |
| Everlywell Heart Health Test | $99 | total cholesterol, HDL, calculated LDL, triglycerides, CRP, HbA1c |
Pros of at-home heart health tests
- You don’t have to leave your home or book an appointment with a doctor.
- At-home tests are often cheaper than traditional blood tests and doctor’s visits.
- They can be just as accurate as those from traditional blood tests.
Cons of at-home heart health tests
- You’ll have to take the blood sample yourself.
- Although many tests offer a follow-up consultation, you won’t have the same level of guidance that you would in person.
- There may be privacy concerns around sending the sample off for testing.
To ensure we included the best at-home heart health tests, Healthline assessed various factors when researching and selecting our picks:
- Laboratories: We chose companies that use
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)Trusted Source certified laboratories, meaning they follow state and federal regulations. - Accuracy: We looked for tests that offer high levels of accuracy so that you can trust your results.
- Cost: We looked for cost-effective tests so you don’t have to break the bank to stay healthy.
- Customer reviews: If users are satisfied with the product, that’s a good indication it’s worth considering.
- Privacy: We favored companies that prioritize data privacy and security. If they also offer discreet packaging, that’s a bonus.
- Results: We chose tests that offer results quickly and easily through an app or online portal.
Everyone (almost)! According to the
An at-home test is a good option for people who want a convenient, cost-effective way to monitor their heart health. It’s also worth considering if in-person testing is challenging or if you don’t have access to a regular doctor. You can use these tests as a starting point for a conversation with your primary care physician about any underlying health concerns.
Taking care of your heart is essential for long-term health and well-being, so it’s essential to understand the signs of an unhealthy heart, including:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- extreme fatigue
- swollen ankles
- shortness of breath
- jaw, back, chest, or arm pain
- sweating
- stomach pain or indigestion
But remember that some signs of an unhealthy heart, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, have no symptoms at all. That’s why regular heart health testing is important — it can help you catch any problems before they become serious.
Although each company has its own instructions, the general procedure for using a test kit at home is usually the same:
- Purchase a kit online.
- Register the kit on the company’s website when it arrives.
- Read the instructions carefully and completely before beginning.
- Disinfect your fingertip with the supplied swab.
- Using the lancet provided, prick your fingertip.
- Place the collected blood sample into the collection tube provided.
- Mail the blood sample to the laboratory via the prepaid envelope provided.
- Wait for your results.
Interpreting heart health test results
The test results typically indicate your cholesterol and blood fat levels. The
- Total cholesterol: at or less than 150 mg/dL
- LDL cholesterol: at or less than 100 mg/dL
- HDL cholesterol: at least 50 mg/dL (women) or 40 mg/dL (men)
- Triglycerides: less than 150 mg/dL
If your results fall outside these ranges, it can indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. You should contact your doctor for further advice and determine how to reach a healthy range for you, as these are general recommendations and some people may require different targets.
If you’re either confused by your test results or they show anything out of the ordinary, you should talk with a health professional. A doctor can interpret your results correctly and provide personalized advice on what steps you should take next.
They may recommend lifestyle measures, like diet and regular exercise, or prescribe medications to help manage any health issues. In some cases, they may also suggest further tests — such as an ECG or stress test — to check for underlying conditions that require treatment.
It’s essential to remember that at-home heart health tests shouldn’t be used as a substitute for professional medical care but rather as a way to monitor your health and stay informed. If you have any questions or concerns, it’s always best to seek professional help.
Most insurance plans don’t cover the cost of a home heart health test since they are considered self-administered diagnostic tools rather than medically prescribed services or treatments.
However, brands like Everlywell and LetsGetChecked accept HSA and FSA dollars.
Yes, at-home heart tests are considered safe and pose no risks to your health. However, following the instructions carefully is crucial to ensure accurate results. And they should not replace doctor’s visits, especially if you have symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
While home heart health tests provide valuable insight into your cardiovascular health, they should not replace regular doctor visits.
In-person medical exams are more comprehensive and can uncover issues that a home heart health test may not detect. Additionally, in-person exams allow you to speak with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
Using a heart health test kit is a straightforward and convenient way to monitor your heart health and risk factors from the comfort of home.
If your results are out of range, many companies offer a free consultation with a medical professional to explain your results and suggest next steps.
However, it’s important to remember that at-home heart health tests should not be used as a substitute for in-person medical care. There are certain conditions that an at-home test won’t be able to detect, and for those, it’s best to seek professional help.
