Midland Health - Meaning Of Blood Tests
Lipids and Lipoproteins
- Cholesterol is used to make essential body substances, such as cell walls and hormones. High levels of cholesterol have been associated with an increased risk for heart disease. Low levels of cholesterol are preferred.
- LDL Cholesterol is a Low Density Lipoprotein, which is commonly referred to as the “bad” cholesterol. LDL Cholesterol, like HDL Cholesterol, is a transport protein. However, LDL transports cholesterol to the arteries. The lower the LDL Cholesterol concentration, the lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet has been shown to decrease this value.
- HDL Cholesterol is a High Density Lipoprotein, which is commonly referred to as the “good” cholesterol. HDL Cholesterol is a transport protein that carries cholesterol away from the artery walls for removal from the body. The higher the HDL value, the lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Exercise and weight loss have been shown to increase your HDL level, while smoking has been shown to decrease it.
- Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio is a ratio of Total Cholesterol to HDL Cholesterol. This ratio has been shown to be a good predictor of cardiovascular disease risk, with the lower the ratio the better. A combination of regular aerobic exercise and good nutritional practices have been shown to improve this ratio.
- Triglycerides are blood fats that are the usual storage form of lipids in the body. This value can be dramatically affected by a recent meal or recent physical activity. Thus, an eight hour fast with no significant activity is required for accurate results.
Chemistry - Blood
- Sodium is an ion that is important in the conduction of nerves, contraction of muscles, and functioning of cells. It is controlled primarily by the kidneys and adrenal glands.
- Potassium is important for muscles and nerves to function properly. It is controlled by the kidneys. This value is watched very closely if one is taking diuretics or cardiovascular medications. If the blood sample is not processed properly, high values may occur.
- Chloride, like sodium and potassium, is an ion that is important in the functioning of cells. It is primarily controlled by the kidneys and adrenal glands.
- Bicarbonate, is a chemical that keeps the pH of blood from becoming too acid. It helps find and keeps track of conditions that affect many kidney diseases, lung diseases and metabolic conditions.
- Glucose is a measure of sugar content in your blood. This value is watched closely to evaluate diabetes or hypoglycemia. This test needs to be performed in a fasted (no eating) state. Your blood sugar should be between 60-120 mg/dl to be considered normal.
- BUN (Urea Nitrogen) is a waste product of protein metabolism. It is produced in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. When protein metabolism is not working properly, high values may occur. Low values need not always be followed with your personal physician.
- Creatinine is another waste product of protein metabolism. It represents the function of the kidneys. A low value is not clinically significant.
- eGFR this test will not be done on everyone because it is not recommended on all people due to certain health, age and muscle parameters. It is another kidney function test which measures kidney function.
- Calcium is involved in many physiologic processes. A normal blood calcium level is essential for normal function of the heart, nerves, and muscles. It is also involved in the coagulation process.
- Albumin is a carbohydrate-free plasma protein which transports fatty acids, bilirubin, and poorly saturated hormones. It also serves as a reserve store of protein. High values are not clinically significant.
- Total Protein is the total amount of protein circulating in the blood. This value represents your general nutritional habits.
- AST (SGOT) stands for serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase. SGOT is a liver enzyme involved in cellular functions of the heart muscle and liver. Alcohol consumption, liver disease, and other normal factors have been shown to raise this value. Low values are probably not clinically significant.
- Bilirubin Total is a bile pigment. It normally circulates in the plasma and is taken up by liver cells. High levels of bilirubin may result in jaundice.
- Alk Phos (Alkaline Phosphatase) is an enzyme found primarily in bones and the liver. Values for pregnant women have found to be elevated, however low values are probably not significant.
- ALT/SGPT stands for serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase. SGPT, like SGOT, is an enzyme involved in the functions of heart, liver, and muscle cells. Alcohol consumption has been shown to increase this value.
- Gamma Glutamyl Transpedtidase (GGT). Similar to SGOT and SGPT, GGT is an enzyme involved in the function of the liver, heart, and muscle cells. Alcohol consumption, liver disease, heart attacks, recent heavy physical exertion, and other normal factors have been shown to raise this value. Low values are probably not significant.
- TSH Thyroid Stimulating Hormone - Your doctor orders this test if you show symptoms of a thyroid disorder. For example, symptoms of hyperthyroidism include heat intolerance, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, nervousness, insomnia, and breathlessness. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weakness, weight gain, slow heart rate, and cold intolerance. A high TSH result often means an under active thyroid gland caused by failure of the gland (hypothyroidism). Rarely, a high TSH result can indicate a problem with the pituitary gland, such as a tumor producing unregulated levels of TSH, in what is known as secondary hyperthyroidism. A high TSH value can also occur in people with under active thyroid glands who have been receiving too little thyroid hormone medication. A low TSH result can indicate an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). A low TSH result can also indicate damage to the pituitary gland that prevents it from producing TSH. A low TSH result can also occur in people with an under active thyroid gland who are receiving too much thyroid hormone medication.
- PSA Prostate Specific Antigen - The American Cancer Society recommends annual PSA and digital rectal exams for all men beginning at age 50. Men who have an increased risk for prostate cancer (such as American men of African descent and men with a family history of the disease) should start getting tested earlier, usually at age 40 or 45. PSA screening is somewhat controversial, however, because in many cases PSA testing of healthy men may be detecting early cancers that are extremely slow-growing and may never cause life-threatening disease. This may cause further unnecessary testing and treatment. The normal value for total PSA is under 4.0 nanograms per milliliter of blood. Total PSA levels greater than 10.0 ng/ml may indicate a high probability of prostate cancer. Levels between 4.0 ng/ml and 10.0 ng/ml may indicate BPH, a non-cancerous swelling of the prostate. This occurs most frequently in elderly men. Increased total PSA levels may also indicate a condition called prostatitis, which is caused by an infection.
