Understanding Your Blood Test Results: HDL Levels and Health Risks
The medical examination report shows results highlighted in red? Hello Doctor: Since I have reached the age of 40, I went to the clinic for a blood test. I received the report a few days ago. 1. The following values are highlighted in red: ★ High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, "high-density lipoprotein cholesterol" (HDL-C) is considered good cholesterol. The normal range for women is >50 mg/dL. If the value is low, it indicates an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In general, physicians should recommend how often to follow u...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: HDL Levels and Health Risks
Should You Rely on Medication for Diabetes Management?
Diabetes medication issues? Hello, doctor. At the end of May and the beginning of June, my blood sugar was checked at 127, and my hemoglobin A1c was 7.2. The doctor said I have diabetes and prescribed medication for me. A friend mentioned that my levels are not too high and that ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Since you have just been diagnosed with diabetes, I would recommend that you manage your blood sugar through a combination of medication, diet, and exercise. Although your fasting blood sugar in the morning is only slightly elevated, your postprandial blood sugar may be hi...[Read More] Should You Rely on Medication for Diabetes Management?
Understanding Your INR Value: What Does an INR of 0.97 Mean?
INR index: 0.97 Hello, I recently had a blood test at the hospital and checked the results using an app. I found that my INR (International Normalized Ratio) value is 0.97. What does this mean? Thank you!
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, this ratio is used clinically to assess coagulation function. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Your INR Value: What Does an INR of 0.97 Mean?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Do They Indicate Inflammation or Issues?
Blood test report Hello, doctor. Could you please tell me if the following data indicates inflammation or other issues in the body? Here are the test results: =============================================== White Blood Cell Count: 6.36 (Reference Range: 4.0–11.0) Red Blood Cell C...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Your blood test report shows elevated neutrophil levels and decreased lymphocyte levels. Generally, this raises concerns about potential infections; however, the values are only slightly outside the normal range, and your overall white blood cell count is normal, so it ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Do They Indicate Inflammation or Issues?
Understanding Blood Test Results for Mediterranean Anemia Screening
Blood Test Report Recently, due to company requirements for a health check, I also had a blood test to check for thalassemia. I would like to ask the doctor if this is normal. Thank you. Blood test report: Serum iron: 98.7 µg/dL, TIBC: 399 µg/dL, Ferritin: 99.8 µg/L, Hb-A1: 95.5%...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on the information you provided, the report appears to be normal. If you have any concerns, please consult a medical institution.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results for Mediterranean Anemia Screening
Understanding Red Flags in Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Red text on blood test results? Hello, doctor. Recently, I went to the emergency room due to back pain, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. I had blood tests and a chest X-ray done. The emergency physician diagnosed me with muscle inflammation, and the X-ray of my heart and...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your blood test report indicates microcytic anemia and elevated platelet count, which may be related to iron deficiency anemia. In women, iron deficiency anemia is more commonly caused by chronic bleeding due to heavy menstrual flow. Additionally, gastrointestinal bleeding...[Read More] Understanding Red Flags in Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis Risks During Blood Tests
Concerns about HIV infection? Hello, doctor. I recently went to a nearby clinic for an adult health check-up, and during the blood draw, I noticed that the nurse did not use a new syringe, although the needle was newly unwrapped. Could this lead to an infection with HIV or hepati...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ashan: 1. I do not understand your statement. Generally, needles and syringes are often packaged together and opened for use. It is also possible that a single needle is opened and then used to draw blood from various vacuum tubes one by one. What you observed might be ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis Risks During Blood Tests
Understanding Chronic Nausea and Dry Heaving: Seeking Solutions
Easily feels nauseous and experiences dry heaving? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a symptom since elementary school where I often feel nauseous and have the urge to vomit. I have seen doctors, but no diagnosis was made. Throughout my growth, this symptom has not been con...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, it is essential to first rule out whether physiological factors are the cause. Of course, psychosomatic factors may also play a role, and the low potassium levels in your blood test could be related to unstable intake or absorption. It is advisable to consult your family p...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Nausea and Dry Heaving: Seeking Solutions
Impact of MMR Vaccine on TB Testing: Timing and Necessity Explained
Questions related to the MMR vaccine and TB test? 1. The MMR vaccine does not affect the results of the TB test, whether it is the blood test or the X-ray method. However, it is generally recommended to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks after receiving the MMR vaccine before undergoing ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Receiving the MMR vaccine should not affect the results of the TB test blood draw and X-ray examination, and there is no need for a specific interval. 2. Some individuals may have insufficient antibodies in their body 10 years after receiving the MMR vaccine. Generally,...[Read More] Impact of MMR Vaccine on TB Testing: Timing and Necessity Explained
How to Confirm if Your Child Has Favism: Medical Records and Testing Options
Unsure if the child has favism? Hello doctor, when my child was born, the doctor mentioned a suspicion of G6PD deficiency. Later, I got busy and forgot about it. I remember that some tests were done at that time. Can I check the records on the health insurance card, or do I need ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The examination for G6PD deficiency, also known as Favism, primarily involves a blood test to check for the presence of this enzyme. Most individuals typically use the National Health Insurance (NHI) Easy Card to query their previous test reports. However, if the test was ...[Read More] How to Confirm if Your Child Has Favism: Medical Records and Testing Options
Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues: When to Seek Help
Chest tightness and shortness of breath? Hello doctor, I have been staying up late frequently, usually sleeping around 5 to 7 hours, with a bedtime around 4 AM. I had a similar issue last October and sought medical attention. At that time, my electrocardiogram, blood tests, and X...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello J: You are experiencing chest tightness and some shortness of breath. Your previous physical examination was normal, but it has been over six months, so it is advisable to seek medical attention again. You can choose to see either a family medicine physician or a pulmonolog...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues: When to Seek Help
Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Concerns
Pancreatic amylase Hello Doctor: I recently had a blood test, and one of the items measured was amylase (normal range is 28-100 u/L). However, my report showed a level of 107 u/L. All other tests for liver and kidney function were normal. Could this indicate hyperamylasemia? I am...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Since your amylase level is only slightly elevated above the normal range, it is more likely to be a case of simple amylase elevation (possibly related to the pancreas or salivary glands) rather than macroamylasemia. Macroamylasemia is typically associated with certain inf...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Concerns
How Family Medicine Can Help You Tackle Chronic Bad Breath Issues
How does family medicine address the issue of halitosis? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing bad breath for many years, and it has recently become more severe. The odor primarily originates from my tongue and tonsils, and I have been aware of this issue for the past seven year...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
If you have maintained good oral hygiene and care but are still experiencing bad breath, it is important to determine whether it is caused by an underlying medical condition. Based on your description, oral and nasal diseases have been ruled out, so you may want to consider condi...[Read More] How Family Medicine Can Help You Tackle Chronic Bad Breath Issues
Understanding Platelet Distribution Width and Its Implications for Health
Platelet distribution width (PDW) Hello, Doctor. I have a few questions I would like to ask you: A few days ago, I went to the hospital to check my blood test results. The doctor mentioned that overall, the values suggest iron deficiency anemia (microcytic), but my hemoglobin lev...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, 1. It is recommended to clarify the causes of anemia before reassessing the need for immediate treatment. 2. The width of platelet distribution may be related to the differences in the size of blood cells. It is advised to consult a hematology outpatient clinic regardin...[Read More] Understanding Platelet Distribution Width and Its Implications for Health
Understanding Anemia: Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia in Blood Tests
Blood test for anemia? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask whether my anemia is due to iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia, and if the values are considered severe. Below are my blood test results. Are there any abnormalities? LDL-C 129 NT-proBNP 27.07 UIBC 394 TIBC (UIBC...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: Mild anemia, unlike thalassemia, may be due to iron deficiency anemia, but it is not severe. If there is heavy menstrual bleeding recently, it is necessary to go to the hospital for further examination. If iron deficiency is confirmed, iron supplements will be required.[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia in Blood Tests
Understanding Thalassemia: Diving Safety and Health Implications
Marine anemia and its effects on diving? The blood test report indicates that I have mild thalassemia. It does not affect my daily life at all; I can exercise normally without experiencing shortness of breath. Will there be any related issues when engaging in diving activities?
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Mild patients can engage in appropriate exercise based on their physical capacity. It is recommended to discuss suitable types and amounts of exercise with their physician. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Thalassemia: Diving Safety and Health Implications
Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cell Counts: What You Need to Know
Abnormal white blood cell report? Hello Doctor, I have a few years of health check reports showing two items in the white blood cell count highlighted in red. My neutrophil percentage has been below the normal range, last year it was 35.4%; the lymphocyte percentage was above the...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, it is difficult to draw direct conclusions from partial data, and changes in these ratios do not necessarily indicate specific issues. If necessary, please consult a hematologist for evaluation. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits a...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cell Counts: What You Need to Know
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Cholesterol and WBC Concerns
Blood test report issues? I recently received my lab report and have two questions. The first issue is regarding my total cholesterol, which is 205, indicating it is slightly high. My triglycerides are 115, which is normal, my HDL-C is 72.3, which is normal, and my LDL-C is 94.5,...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! "Total cholesterol is composed of esterified cholesterol (Cholesterol ester, approximately 70%) and free cholesterol (Free cholesterol, approximately 30%). These two components are derived from four types of lipoproteins, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Cholesterol and WBC Concerns
Headaches and Eye Issues: When to See a Family Doctor
Headache, inability to open eyes? Hello, doctor. I apologize for the interruption. My father experienced symptoms of headache and dizziness last Friday. The headache was located on both sides of his head, and he couldn't sleep at night, appearing very fatigued. By Monday, hi...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! For acute issues, it is recommended that you seek medical attention immediately at a healthcare facility![Read More] Headaches and Eye Issues: When to See a Family Doctor
Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Possible Causes and Next Steps for Evaluation
Persistent elevated body temperature? Hello, doctor. Last August, I had a fever reaching 38 degrees Celsius (ear temperature), which dropped to 37.7 degrees on the same day. However, I have been experiencing a persistent low-grade fever ranging from 37 to 37.5 degrees until March...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Tsai, I understand from your letter that you have been experiencing persistent low-grade fever since August of last year, and various examinations have not revealed a cause. Generally, the potential causes of continuous fever may include infections, rheumatologic and au...[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Possible Causes and Next Steps for Evaluation