Understanding Lipemia: Cholesterol Levels and Lab Test Accuracy
Cholesterol consultation? Hello Dr. Lin, due to my high cholesterol levels, I have been regularly taking cholesterol-lowering medications for the past few years. After starting the medication, all my lipid profile tests returned to normal ranges (my highest total cholesterol was ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
The principles of general biochemical tests differ from those used to assess blood lipids. Therefore, when there is a phenomenon of lipemia, it can interfere with the mechanisms required for biochemical testing, leading to inaccurate results. Lipid-lowering medications are not th...[Read More] Understanding Lipemia: Cholesterol Levels and Lab Test Accuracy
Impact of Medications on HIV Ag/Ab Combo Test Results: What You Need to Know
HIV Ag/Ab Combo test issues? Hello Dr. Hong, I have a heart stent placed and am currently taking the following six medications: Ticagrelor (Brilinta) and enteric-coated Aspirin (two antiplatelet medications), Valsartan and Amlodipine Besylate (antihypertensive medications), Propr...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the medications you are currently taking do not have any reported effects on the HIV Ag/Ab Combo test or the general antibody test (Anti-HIV), so they should not have a significant impact on this examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Impact of Medications on HIV Ag/Ab Combo Test Results: What You Need to Know
Effective Exercise Strategies for Managing Diabetes: Timing Matters
Exercise Methods for Diabetes Management Hello Doctor: I am currently 176 cm tall, weigh 84 kg, have a waist circumference of 96 cm, and my blood pressure is 127 mmHg systolic and 87 mmHg diastolic. After fasting for 8 hours, my hemoglobin A1c is 6.1, and my fasting blood glucose...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
You can engage in moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or jogging, about one to two hours after a meal. If you exercise before eating, it's best to wait at least 30 minutes after your workout before having a meal.[Read More] Effective Exercise Strategies for Managing Diabetes: Timing Matters
Understanding the Health Implications of Low Triglycerides (39)
Low triglycerides (39) Dear Dr. Ke: My triglyceride level is low (39), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is 66, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is 116, and total cholesterol is 185. My height is 174 cm and weight is 67 kg. I have been following a "DASH diet" for two years an...
Dr. Ke Taiyuan Reply:
Low triglycerides are related to diet and serve as one of the energy sources for the body after metabolism. Your total cholesterol is not very low, and your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is also not low. Your BMI is within the normal range, so your nutritional status should be f...[Read More] Understanding the Health Implications of Low Triglycerides (39)
Understanding Your Kidney Health: What Does a GFR of 87.9 Mean?
Health check-up issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my adult health check-up I had in May. Recently, I reviewed my test results and noticed that my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 87.9, with a note indicating mild chronic kidney injury. What does this mean? Does i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) indeed indicates kidney function, but there are many algorithms for more accurate measurements. The most precise method is to collect 24-hour urine for calculation. However, based on your description, if this is just a routine health ch...[Read More] Understanding Your Kidney Health: What Does a GFR of 87.9 Mean?
Managing Temperature Fluctuations and Emotional Instability in Seniors
Experiencing fluctuations in temperature, sweating, and emotional instability? Hello Doctor: My mother-in-law is 70 years old. Ever since she caught a cold five months ago, her entire body system has been out of balance. Initially, she experienced constant chills and wore many la...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
You can consult a pulmonologist, an immunologist, or a family medicine physician.[Read More] Managing Temperature Fluctuations and Emotional Instability in Seniors
Can Fish Oil Effectively Lower Cholesterol Levels? Debunking Myths
Can fish oil lower cholesterol? I have searched online for a long time and have not found a definitive answer regarding fish oil, which contains a higher amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Here are my questions: 1. Polyunsaturated fatty acids: lower low-density lipoprotein (L...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Some studies have shown that important components of fish oil, namely EPA and DHA, can primarily reduce triglycerides, increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and may also lead to an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.[Read More] Can Fish Oil Effectively Lower Cholesterol Levels? Debunking Myths
Understanding Tulip 20mg: Safety, Efficacy, and Alternatives for Cholesterol Management
Regarding Tofacitinib Extended-Release Tablets A 72-year-old female, 158 cm tall and weighing 53 kg, currently has low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol at 134.5 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol at 55.1 mg/dL, and triglycerides at 59.2 mg/dL. She has no other...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
It is correct that medications should be used carefully, and they are generally considered safe. Whether to discontinue medication and address subsequent issues will depend on the patient's condition moving forward, which should be discussed with your physician. The primary ...[Read More] Understanding Tulip 20mg: Safety, Efficacy, and Alternatives for Cholesterol Management
Impact of Blood Pressure Medications on Creatinine Levels: A Case Study
Creatinine and antihypertensive medications? Hello Doctor, last year during my health check-up, my creatinine level was 1.3, total cholesterol was 200, and my systolic blood pressure was between 140 and 150. I have been monitoring these results for a year, and they have remained ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, certain types of antihypertensive medications can indeed cause an increase in serum creatinine levels. However, the Norvasc you previously took at a normal dosage does not impair kidney function, so the rise in serum creatinine should be attributed to o...[Read More] Impact of Blood Pressure Medications on Creatinine Levels: A Case Study
Adjusting Lipitor Dosage for Cholesterol Management: Key Considerations
The dosage of Lipitor? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Currently, I am managing my condition through diet and exercise, and my HbA1c is maintained below 6. However, my cholesterol levels remain high (total cholesterol 250, LDL 180, HDL 55). Th...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Song Sang-Sang: 1. Lipitor® (generic name Atorvastatin) is typically prescribed at a dosage of 10 mg per tablet. It belongs to the class of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, commonly known as statins. It effectively lowers elevated le...[Read More] Adjusting Lipitor Dosage for Cholesterol Management: Key Considerations
High Kappa Immunoglobulin Levels: Understanding Potential Health Risks
Elevated levels of immunoglobulin Kappa? Hello, I am a 48-year-old male, 166 cm tall and weighing 66 kg, with hereditary Mediterranean anemia. I had a urinary stone in 2012, but it passed naturally. I do not have hypertension (January 2018 readings: 122 mmHg systolic, 77 mmHg dia...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, I can provide you with some recommendations: 1. The eGFR of 55 is slightly low, and the urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio of 303.4 mg/g is elevated; it is advisable to have long-term follow-up with a nephrologist. 2. Regarding the immunoglobulin levels, K...[Read More] High Kappa Immunoglobulin Levels: Understanding Potential Health Risks
Managing High Cholesterol: Should You Choose Medication or Lifestyle Changes?
High cholesterol I have had high cholesterol issues since childhood. After taking lipid-lowering medication for about a year, my cholesterol levels returned to normal. My doctor believes I can try stopping the medication. Since stopping, I have been exercising regularly and follo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Fei: 1. According to the regulations of our national health insurance, patients with cardiovascular diseases or diabetes whose total cholesterol level exceeds 160 mg/dL or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) exceeds 100 mg/dL may be eligible for pharmacological ...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Should You Choose Medication or Lifestyle Changes?
Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms of g...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Kiki: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. When uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to go...[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check-up, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms o...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. KiKi: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. If uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to gout....[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Seeking Medical Help for Unexplained Weight Gain at 40
Abnormal weight gain Hello: I am 40 years old, 170 cm tall, and currently eat one meal a day while walking 10,000 steps. My lifestyle is regular. I have gained 12 kg in the past six months, and my endocrine blood tests have shown no issues. How should I seek medical assistance?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Aqi: 1. Factors contributing to weight gain include diet, patterns of physical activity, and differences in energy metabolism; very few cases are due to single-gene mutations or specific genetic disorders. 2. Familial obesity may be influenced not only by genetic facto...[Read More] Seeking Medical Help for Unexplained Weight Gain at 40
Can Steroids Cause Dizziness? Understanding Side Effects and Concerns
Can steroids cause dizziness? Hello, Doctor. I have had SLE for 15 years, and I was recently discharged from the hospital due to vasculitis. I have been resting at home for ten days now and am currently taking eight corticosteroids. I feel about 90% recovered, but I am troubled b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Julia, thank you for your question. Here is my response summarized as follows: 1. The dosage of 8 steroid pills is not considered high, and it should not be used for a long duration; you can always consult your physician about this. 2. Steroids are unlikely to cause dizz...[Read More] Can Steroids Cause Dizziness? Understanding Side Effects and Concerns
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function in Health Checkups
Creatinine, Glomerular Filtration Rate, Health Checkup Issues? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask a question. About two months ago, I went to a health check-up at a clinic. The doctor reviewed my report and said that my liver and kidney function...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello Mr. Yang: "Creatinine 1.10, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) 86.69" is only a single data point, making it difficult to assess the overall kidney function. Changes in kidney function need to be evaluated through multiple blood tests over time to understand the con...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function in Health Checkups
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Hello Doctor, two weeks ago, the hospital came to the community to conduct free health check-ups. Today, when I went to review the report, the doctor informed me that my creatinine level is 1.05 mg/dL and my glomerular filtration ra...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: Regarding your question, I will address it in two parts. (1) The changes in creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) should be evaluated based on their "trends." If you only have two data points for comparison, you can only determine whether the...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function Concerns
Creatinine and Kidney Function Related Issues Hello, Doctor. I apologize for the lengthy description of my issue. Here are the results from my blood and urine tests conducted at the clinic two weeks ago: Fasting blood glucose: 100 mg/dL (reference range: 70-100) Blood urea ni...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your description, your creatinine level is 1.34 mg/dL (reference range 0.7-1.5), and your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 66.9 (reference value > 60). Given your age, your GFR is slightly low, and the most common risk factors affecting kidney function are hyperten...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function Concerns
Understanding Proteinuria and Elevated Blood Sugar: A Guide for Patients
Urinary protein and blood glucose? A few days ago, my father went to the clinic for a blood test, and the results are as follows: Urine protein 1+, fasting blood glucose 125 mg/dL (after fasting for just over 7 hours), total cholesterol 127 mg/dL, triglycerides 229 mg/dL, HDL 39....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, In response to your father's concerns, here are my replies: First, regarding the protein in urine, the clinic report indicates a preliminary positive result. It is recommended to visit a larger hospital for a quantitative urine protein test, and possibly a 24-hour ...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria and Elevated Blood Sugar: A Guide for Patients