Your Health Check Report: Interpreting Abnormal Results

Q: Your Health Check Report: Interpreting Abnormal Results

Hello, in response to your question： Essentially, the military service health examination differs from the subsequent health check items you underwent. <br>The military examination did not test for UA, CHO, or LDH as you mentioned in your letter; only RBC, hematocrit, and MCH are

Health Check Report

The health check results show: heart rate 56 beats per minute, uric acid (UA) 10.3 mg/dL, cholesterol (CHOL) 220 mg/dL, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) 210 U/L, red blood cell count (RBC) 4.01 million cells/µL, hematocrit (HCT) 40.4%, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) 34.2 pg.
Given these abnormal results, what can be done to improve them? (Three months ago, during military service health check, all results except UA were normal.
Why has there been such a significant change?)

Xiao Su, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/09/13

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine

Hello, in response to your question: Essentially, the military service health examination differs from the subsequent health check items you underwent.
The military examination did not test for UA, CHO, or LDH as you mentioned in your letter; only RBC, hematocrit, and MCH are the same.
*Is your UA referring to a urinalysis or uric acid test? (The military examination did not include a uric acid test, only a urinalysis that checks urine specific gravity, glucose, and protein).
Based on the data you provided: UA 10.3 (normal range 3.5–7.2, elevated uric acid, please pay attention to a low-purine diet, adequate hydration, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and control weight to prevent gout; if you already have gout, please follow up with a family medicine or relevant specialty clinic), CHOL 220 (normal range 130–220, elevated cholesterol, please pay attention to a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet, and regular exercise), LDH 210 (normal range 0–130, elevated low-density lipoprotein, it is advisable to simultaneously manage other cardiovascular diseases and risk factors such as blood pressure, blood sugar, obesity, smoking, and stress), RBC 4.01 (normal range 4.2–6.2), hematocrit 40.4 (normal range 39–54), MCH 34.2 (normal range 26–34) (these values are mostly related to genetic or physiological issues; your data does not show significant abnormalities and should not require special intervention).
For heart rate, it is recommended to be around 60 beats per minute, but 56 beats per minute is not considered a significant abnormality.
Three months ago, the military examination showed normal results except for UA.
Why is there such a discrepancy in results? (The difference is due to the fact that the examination items are not the same, which is why you feel there is a significant difference).
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2011/09/13

More Info

Interpreting health check reports can often be a daunting task, especially when faced with abnormal results. In your case, the report indicates several values that deviate from the normal range, including a heart rate of 56 beats per minute, uric acid (UA) at 10.3 mg/dL, cholesterol (CHOL) at 220 mg/dL, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) at 210 U/L, red blood cell count (RBC) at 4.01 million cells/µL, hematocrit (HCT) at 40.4%, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) at 34.2 pg.

Understanding the Abnormal Results
1. Heart Rate (56 bpm): A resting heart rate below 60 beats per minute is termed bradycardia. While this can be normal for athletes or those who are physically fit, it may also indicate an underlying issue, especially if you experience symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or fainting. It’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider to evaluate the cause.

2. Uric Acid (UA 10.3 mg/dL): Elevated uric acid levels can lead to gout, a form of arthritis characterized by sudden and severe pain, redness, and swelling in the joints. High uric acid can also indicate kidney issues. Dietary modifications, such as reducing intake of purine-rich foods (like red meats, shellfish, and sugary beverages), increasing hydration, and possibly medication, may be necessary.

3. Cholesterol (CHOL 220 mg/dL): A total cholesterol level above 200 mg/dL is considered borderline high. High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease. Lifestyle changes, including a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight, are essential. In some cases, medication may be required.

4. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH 210 U/L): LDH is an enzyme found in almost all body tissues. Elevated levels can indicate tissue damage or disease, including liver disease, hemolysis, or certain cancers. Further testing may be needed to determine the underlying cause.

5. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC 4.01 million cells/µL): This value is on the lower end of the normal range for men (4.7 to 6.1 million cells/µL) and women (4.2 to 5.4 million cells/µL). A low RBC count can indicate anemia, which may result from various factors, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, or bone marrow problems.

6. Hematocrit (HCT 40.4%): This value is generally within the normal range for men (38.3% to 48.6%) and women (35.5% to 44.9%). However, it should be interpreted in conjunction with RBC and hemoglobin levels.

7. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH 34.2 pg): This value is slightly elevated, which can indicate macrocytic anemia, often due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

Recommendations for Improvement
1. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given the range of abnormal results, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and possibly recommend further testing.

2. Lifestyle Modifications:
- Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugars, and saturated fats.

- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help manage uric acid levels and support overall health.

- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve heart rate, cholesterol levels, and overall cardiovascular health.

3. Regular Monitoring: Since you mentioned that your previous results were normal, it may be beneficial to monitor these values regularly to track any changes over time.

4. Follow-Up Testing: Depending on your healthcare provider's recommendations, follow-up tests may be necessary to further investigate the abnormal results and assess any potential underlying conditions.

Conclusion
The discrepancies in your health check results compared to three months ago could be attributed to various factors, including changes in diet, stress levels, physical activity, or even temporary health issues. It’s essential to take these results seriously and work with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan for improvement and health maintenance. Regular check-ups and being proactive about your health can lead to better outcomes and peace of mind.

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