Chronic Fatigue: Insights from Health Check Results - Family Medicine

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Often feel fatigued?


Hello, I am a sophomore male student.
I have been feeling fatigued frequently for over three years, so I went to your hospital for a health check-up.
Could you identify any abnormalities from the following data (only listing the more abnormal results) or provide some advice?
Liver function tests:
- Total Protein: 8.3 (normal range: 6.5-8.2 g/dl)
- Albumin: 5.4 (normal range: 3.5-5.2 g/dl)
Complete blood count:
- Monocytes: 10.8 (normal range: 3.4-9.0 %)
Lipid profile:
- Triglycerides: 97 (normal range: 50-150 mg/dl)
- Total Cholesterol: 191 (normal range: 200 mg/dl)
Blood pressure: 142
Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to respond.

Dà Xióng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/08/19

Dr. Hong Chuanqi reply Family Medicine


Hello, Da-Xiong.
Based on the information you provided, there is no strong indication of liver disease or blood abnormalities.
I recommend that you visit our Family Medicine outpatient clinic to discuss your concerns in person, as this may be more beneficial for you.
Hong Chuanqi, 93.08.19.

Reply Date: 2004/08/19

More Info


Chronic fatigue can be a complex and multifactorial condition, often requiring a thorough evaluation to identify potential underlying causes. Based on the health check results you provided, there are several notable findings that could offer insights into your persistent fatigue.

1. Liver Function Tests:
- Total Protein: Your total protein level is 8.3 g/dl, which is slightly above the normal range (6.5-8.2 g/dl). Elevated total protein can indicate various conditions, including dehydration, chronic inflammation, or liver disease.
- Albumin: Your albumin level is 5.4 g/dl, which is also above the normal range (3.5-5.2 g/dl). Elevated albumin levels can be less common and may suggest dehydration or a high protein intake. However, it is essential to consider the context of other liver function tests and clinical symptoms.

2. Hematological Findings:
- Monocytes: Your monocyte count is 10.8%, which exceeds the normal range (3.4-9.0%). Elevated monocytes can indicate chronic inflammation or infection, which could contribute to feelings of fatigue. Monocytes are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response, and their elevation might suggest that your body is fighting an underlying issue.

3. Lipid Profile:
- Triglycerides: Your triglyceride level is 97 mg/dl, which is within the normal range (50-150 mg/dl). This is a positive finding as high triglycerides can be associated with metabolic syndrome, which can contribute to fatigue.

- Total Cholesterol: Your total cholesterol level is 191 mg/dl, which is close to the upper limit of normal (200 mg/dl). While this is not alarming, it is essential to monitor cholesterol levels as they can impact cardiovascular health.

4. Blood Pressure:
- Your blood pressure reading of 142 mmHg indicates hypertension (normal is typically around 120/80 mmHg). Chronic hypertension can lead to fatigue due to the increased workload on the heart and potential complications affecting overall health.


Recommendations:
Given these findings, here are some suggestions to consider:
- Follow-Up with a Healthcare Provider: It is crucial to discuss these results with a healthcare provider who can interpret them in the context of your overall health, symptoms, and medical history. They may recommend further testing or evaluations to explore potential causes of your chronic fatigue.

- Lifestyle Modifications: Consider adopting a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate hydration. These lifestyle changes can help improve energy levels and overall health. Reducing stress through mindfulness or relaxation techniques may also be beneficial.

- Monitor Blood Pressure: Since your blood pressure is elevated, it would be wise to monitor it regularly. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing sodium intake, increasing physical activity, and managing stress, can help lower blood pressure.

- Evaluate for Underlying Conditions: Chronic fatigue can be associated with various conditions, including thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, anemia, or chronic infections. A comprehensive evaluation may be necessary to rule out these possibilities.

- Consider Mental Health: Chronic fatigue can also be linked to mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. If you feel that your fatigue is accompanied by mood changes, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional.

In conclusion, while some of your lab results show slight abnormalities, they should be interpreted in conjunction with your symptoms and clinical context. Chronic fatigue can stem from various factors, and a thorough evaluation is essential to identify the underlying cause and develop an appropriate management plan.

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