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Fatty Acid Binding Protein, Heart-Type (FABP-H) in Serum

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures a protein linked to heart muscle health, often checked after heart-related events or in conditions affecting the heart.

Quick summary

["Heart-type fatty acid binding protein helps assess heart damage or stress."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
72499-7
Short code
Oval fat bodies #/area Stl LPF
Synonyms
Oval fat bodies #/area Stl LPF
Category
chemistry
Sample
stool
Container
Clean container
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
microscopy-light-lpf
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
Specimen volume
5 g
Stability
Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your doctor may request this test if you’ve experienced symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or after a heart attack, heart surgery, or other cardiac procedures. It can also be used to monitor heart health in certain chronic conditions or after treatments like angioplasty or bypass surgery.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is usually needed. You may have a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm, similar to other blood tests. If you’re on blood thinners, let your doctor know before the test.

What the Results Mean

Elevated levels may indicate recent or ongoing heart muscle damage, inflammation, or stress. Lower-than-expected levels might suggest certain heart conditions or medications affecting protein levels. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your medical history and other tests.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test is often used to evaluate heart injury, such as after a myocardial infarction (heart attack), cardiac surgery, or procedures like angioplasty. It may also help monitor conditions like myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or heart failure in some cases.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: stool

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: Role in Heart Health

Short name

Heart-Type FABP

Frequently asked questions

What causes elevated heart-type FABP levels?
Elevated levels are commonly associated with acute heart injury, such as a heart attack, severe heart muscle inflammation, or stress on the heart from conditions like heart failure or high blood pressure. Certain medications or infections may also temporarily affect protein levels.
How soon after a heart event might results be available?
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on lab processing times. Your doctor will discuss findings with you promptly, especially if this test was part of an urgent evaluation.
Can this test replace other heart tests like troponin?
No, this test is not a replacement for other heart tests like troponin or CK-MB. It’s often used alongside them to provide additional information about heart muscle stress or injury, especially in certain clinical scenarios.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy