[James Newman]

If I were guessing, your Doc will probably get a CBC (complete blood count) a CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel), Lipid Panel (fasting). Those will be a good starting point to determine any anemia (most often the result of internal bleeding). They will probably also want a stool sample to check for blood and leukocytes (white blood cells). There are a couple of different tests and radiological things they may look at. Most of the physicians I work with don't do a Cardiac series unless they need to as the Troponin, CK, etc are most useful when ruling out an MI, associated angina. But it is certainly something you could talk about. But you're right, cCRP is one of the markers used for cardiac risk and has been advocated by the American Heart Association if you score at a certain level on their Risk Assessment. I am sure your physician will cover all the bases. Ask any questions you have about tests, procedures, etc and they will take care of you....

Newman