Your Health Check Results: Insights from Dr. Yang - Internal Medicine

More Info

---

Understanding your health check results is crucial for maintaining your well-being, and it’s great that you are taking the initiative to seek clarification. Based on the lab results you've provided, let's break down each component and discuss their implications, particularly concerning kidney function and overall health.

1. W.B.C. Count (White Blood Cell Count): Your count is 5.8, which falls within the normal range (4-11). This indicates that your immune system is functioning well, as white blood cells are essential for fighting infections.

2. R.B.C. Count (Red Blood Cell Count): At 5.34, your count is slightly elevated but still within the normal range (4.5-6.1). Elevated red blood cell counts can sometimes indicate dehydration, smoking, or living at high altitudes, but since you mentioned you do not smoke or drink, this may not be a concern.

3. Hemoglobin: Your level is 16.1, which is on the higher end of the normal range (13.8-18). Hemoglobin is crucial for transporting oxygen in the blood. Elevated levels can also be related to dehydration or other factors, but again, your lifestyle choices seem to mitigate these risks.

4. Hematocrit: At 47.1, this is also within the normal range (38-52). Hematocrit measures the proportion of blood volume that is made up of red blood cells. Like hemoglobin, elevated levels can indicate dehydration.

5. Platelet Count: Your count is 174, which is slightly on the lower side of the normal range (150-400). While this is still considered normal, it’s worth monitoring, as low platelet counts can affect blood clotting.

6. M.C.V. (Mean Corpuscular Volume): At 88.2, this is within the normal range (78-100). MCV measures the average size of your red blood cells. Normal values suggest that your red blood cells are of adequate size.

7. M.C.H. (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin): Your level of 30.1 is also within the normal range (25-35). This indicates the average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell is normal.

8. M.C.H.C. (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration): At 34.1, this is within the normal range (31-37). This measures the concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of red blood cells.

9. Liver Enzymes (肝基酸): Your level is 1.0, which is slightly elevated compared to the normal range (0.5-1.4). Elevated liver enzymes can indicate liver stress or damage, but they can also be influenced by various factors, including medications, alcohol consumption, or even strenuous exercise.


Kidney Function Considerations
While your blood work shows mostly normal results, you expressed concern about kidney function. It's important to note that kidney function is typically assessed through specific markers such as serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which were not included in your results. If these values were elevated, it could indicate impaired kidney function.
To evaluate kidney health more accurately, a urinalysis is often performed to check for the presence of protein or blood in the urine, which can be early indicators of kidney issues. If you have not had these tests, it would be advisable to discuss them with your healthcare provider.


Recommendations
1. Follow-Up Testing: If you have concerns about your kidney function, consider requesting a urinalysis and serum creatinine test. These will provide a clearer picture of your kidney health.

2. Lifestyle Factors: Continue maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding substances that can harm your kidneys (like excessive NSAIDs) are essential.

3. Regular Monitoring: Given the slight elevations in some of your blood parameters, regular monitoring with your healthcare provider is advisable. This will help track any changes over time and address any potential issues early.

4. Consultation: If you have any symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination, consult a healthcare provider promptly.

In summary, while your blood work shows mostly normal results, it’s essential to keep an eye on your kidney function and liver enzymes. Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider will help ensure your health remains on track.