Your Health Check Report: Key Lab Values Explained - Family Medicine

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Understanding your health check report is crucial for maintaining your overall health. Let's break down the key lab values you've provided and discuss their implications.

1. eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): 80 mL/min
An eGFR of 80 is generally considered to be within the normal range for most adults, indicating that your kidneys are functioning well. However, values can vary based on age, sex, and body size. While it is not significantly low, it is essential to monitor kidney function regularly, especially if you have risk factors such as diabetes or hypertension.

2. ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase): 12 U/L
An ALT level of 12 is quite low and typically suggests that there is no liver damage or inflammation. Normal ALT levels usually range from 7 to 56 U/L. Therefore, this result is reassuring and indicates that your liver is functioning properly.

3. Uric Acid: 5.1 mg/dL
A uric acid level of 5.1 mg/dL is generally considered normal, as the typical range is between 3.5 to 7.2 mg/dL for men and 2.6 to 6.0 mg/dL for women. This means you are not at risk for gout or other conditions related to high uric acid levels.

4. Triglycerides (TG): 63 mg/dL
A triglyceride level of 63 mg/dL is excellent, especially since you mentioned that your levels were previously high. Normal triglyceride levels are below 150 mg/dL, so you are well within the healthy range. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise can help keep these levels in check.

5. Total Cholesterol: 194 mg/dL
A total cholesterol level of 194 mg/dL is borderline high, as desirable levels are typically below 200 mg/dL. It is essential to look at the breakdown of your cholesterol levels, which includes LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein).

6. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): 122 mg/dL
An LDL level of 122 mg/dL is considered near optimal. Ideally, you want this number to be below 100 mg/dL for optimal heart health. If you have other risk factors for heart disease, it may be beneficial to discuss lifestyle changes or medications with your healthcare provider.

7. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): 64 mg/dL
An HDL level of 64 mg/dL is good, as higher levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Ideally, you want your HDL to be above 60 mg/dL.

8. Glucose AC (Fasting Blood Sugar): 84 mg/dL
A fasting blood sugar level of 84 mg/dL is within the normal range (70-99 mg/dL). This indicates that your body is effectively managing blood sugar levels.

9. Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c): 6.0%
An HbA1c level of 6.0% is at the threshold of prediabetes, as the normal range is below 5.7%. This means that while your fasting blood sugar is normal, your average blood sugar over the past two to three months is on the higher side. It would be wise to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely and consider lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to prevent progression to diabetes.


Recommendations:
- Regular Monitoring: Continue to monitor your blood sugar levels and consider regular check-ups to keep an eye on your cholesterol and kidney function.

- Lifestyle Modifications: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Regular physical activity can help maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

- Consult Your Doctor: Given the HbA1c level, it may be beneficial to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially regarding diet and exercise to prevent diabetes.

In conclusion, while most of your lab values are within normal ranges, the HbA1c level suggests that you should be proactive about your health. Regular check-ups and lifestyle modifications can significantly impact your long-term health outcomes.