Managing High Cholesterol: Tips for Balancing HDL and LDL Levels
High total cholesterol Hello, Doctor. During my health check-up, I found that my total cholesterol is above the normal range. I have noticed a trend of increasing total cholesterol in the past few years: total cholesterol (161→186→194→227), triglycerides (60→58→82→79). This time,...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, there are no primary methods for treating elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; however, if HDL cholesterol levels are already high, it is advised not to supplement with related health products. 2. If HDL cholesterol is elevated, do not supplem...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Tips for Balancing HDL and LDL Levels
Understanding High Creatinine and Uric Acid Levels in Young Adults
Elevated creatinine levels? Hello doctor, I am currently 18 years old, 170 cm tall, and weigh 47 kg. During a health check-up, I found that my creatinine level is elevated (1.45) and my uric acid level is also high (9.2). Additionally, protein was detected in my urine. Is my kidn...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Based on your body type, it appears that you do not have a physique characterized by high muscle mass. The elevated creatinine levels suggest a need for further evaluation at a clinic. Wishing you health and safety.[Read More] Understanding High Creatinine and Uric Acid Levels in Young Adults
Weight Loss Concerns: Stress, Health Checks, and Diabetes Risk
Weight loss In July of this year, after being diagnosed, I continued to have a poor appetite and trouble sleeping. In August, I started a new job that brought a lot of stress, and I had a persistent cough after the diagnosis, which only improved by the end of September. Before th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding diabetes, a single blood glucose test is not sufficient to determine if there is a concern for diabetes. It is recommended to consult with a specialist in Metabolism or Family Medicine. As for weight loss, it is advisable to maintain a regular routine and engage ...[Read More] Weight Loss Concerns: Stress, Health Checks, and Diabetes Risk
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Implications
Elevated rheumatoid factor in health check-ups? Hello Doctor, I underwent a full body health check in August and unexpectedly found my RF to be 240 (normal <15), while other results were normal. I went to the immunology department for a re-examination. I have no discomfort, an...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
A netizen discovered an RF level of 240 during a comprehensive health check-up. RF is not exclusively associated with rheumatoid arthritis; it is commonly found in carriers of hepatitis B, chronic infections, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. RF does not have predictive valu...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Implications
Understanding Sinus Rhythm with Right Bundle Branch Block: What You Need to Know
Static Electrocardiogram (ECG) Hello Dr. Hong: Recently, during my son's company health check-up, a resting electrocardiogram revealed sinus rhythm with right bundle branch block. Is this considered a heart condition? What kind of treatment is necessary? Should we schedule a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this indicates that the electrical conduction in a certain part of the heart is slower, but it doesn't necessarily mean there is a disease; it could also be a normal physiological phenomenon. It is recommended to consult a cardiologist, as further tests such as an ele...[Read More] Understanding Sinus Rhythm with Right Bundle Branch Block: What You Need to Know
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Can Infection Occur During Childhood?
Questions related to hepatitis B carriers? I recently learned that my husband is a carrier of hepatitis B after his health check-up. I would like to understand if, apart from vertical transmission at birth, it is possible for someone to become a carrier through infection during t...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The transmission routes of hepatitis B primarily involve the entry of blood or bodily fluids infected with the hepatitis B virus into the human body through the skin or mucous membranes, particularly into the bloodstream. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted from mother to ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Can Infection Occur During Childhood?
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: What You Need to Know
Elevated rheumatoid factor issue? Hello, Doctor. Last month, at the end of July, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up and unexpectedly found that my rheumatoid factor was elevated (242 IU/ml, with a reference range of below 20 IU/ml). All other health check items were almo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The health check report indicates that a small number of healthy individuals may also have elevated RF factors—if I have no symptoms, should I not worry too much? --> Some symptoms can be very mild and may go unno...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: What You Need to Know
Understanding Proteinuria: Symptoms, Kidney Health, and Tea Consumption
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Wu, I have a few questions I would like to ask you: Q1. Regarding proteinuria, I have observed that my urine often has "trace" amounts of fine bubbles, and even after waiting five minutes, the bubbles do not completely dissipate, leaving ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your questions: Q1: Healthy adults can indeed have proteinuria, but the total daily amount should not exceed 150 mg. The presence of bubbles observed with the naked eye should be confirmed through testing to determine whether it is normal or exceeds the threshold. ...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Symptoms, Kidney Health, and Tea Consumption
Concerns About Blood Draw Safety: Risks of Infection from Needle Use
In the areas where hands that have previously touched syringes and needles come into contact, a needle is used to draw blood? Hello Doctor, two days ago I had a health check-up that required a blood draw. The phlebotomist first cleaned my skin with alcohol, then took the syringe ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, although the phlebotomist touched other areas before returning to palpate the vein, the residual alcohol applied earlier still has antimicrobial effects. Therefore, it should still provide some level of disinfection, and it is unlikely to cause a...[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draw Safety: Risks of Infection from Needle Use
Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Interpreting Your Results
Kidney function tests Hello Dr. Wu, I had a general health check-up at a clinic in early May, and the report is as follows: - Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): 14.0 (normal range: 7-25) - Creatinine: 0.63 (normal range: 0.6-1.2) - Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): 115 (greater than 6...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your inquiry, both reports indicate normal kidney function (as the glomerular filtration rate is greater than 60, and all urine tests are normal), which does not qualify as chronic kidney disease. For chronic kidney disease to be diagnosed, the glomerular filtration ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Interpreting Your Results
Is Low Hemoglobin Linked to Chronic Mouth Ulcers? Insights and Solutions
Is there a relationship between low hemoglobin levels and oral ulcers? Hello Doctor: I have been suffering from chronic oral ulcers for 28 years (since elementary school), with almost daily occurrences of 3 to 6 ulcers at a time. I previously consulted a rheumatologist, and blood...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If you have multiple oral ulcers that are recurrent and have persisted for a long time, I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist nearby, as there are methods to address this issue. The underlying causes of oral ulcers, depending on their s...[Read More] Is Low Hemoglobin Linked to Chronic Mouth Ulcers? Insights and Solutions
Unexplained Weight Loss with Normal Thyroid Levels: Possible Causes
Significant weight loss with normal thyroid function tests? Hello Dr. Lee, In early November last year, during my health check-up, my height and weight were 181 cm and 58.7 kg, respectively. Aside from being underweight, all other indices were normal (including CEA and fecal occ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If thyroid function is normal, it may be advisable to consult a gastroenterologist to investigate whether the weight loss is related to chronic diarrhea.[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss with Normal Thyroid Levels: Possible Causes
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice
Temperature issues Hello Doctor, I am currently on day four of quarantine. Since the first night of quarantine, I have felt an increase in body temperature and warmth. (In previous years, I occasionally felt feverish, with temperatures around the mid-36s, sometimes reaching 37.3,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It can be difficult to distinguish between the symptoms of a common cold and COVID-19, so it may still be necessary to perform a PCR test or a rapid test for confirmation. 2. There are many possible causes of fever, and a detailed examination may be required to deter...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Follow-Up Tests Explained
Questions about the medical examination report? Last month, I underwent a health check-up, and the low-dose chest CT report included these two recommendations. What further examinations are needed for confirmation? 1. Thickening of the lower esophageal wall (is it due to contract...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Thickening of the lower esophageal wall may indicate malignant changes, but it could also be benign. It is indeed recommended to perform an endoscopy for a detailed examination. 2. Increased density in the anterior mediastinum has a higher likelihood of being benign...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Follow-Up Tests Explained
Understanding Low Red Blood Cell Count and Hemoglobin Levels: Causes and Treatment
Low levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check-up, and the report showed the following blood results: W.B.C: 7.13, R.B.C: 4 (below normal), Hemoglobin: 12, Hematocrit: 36.6 (both below normal), MCV, MCH, MCHC, and platelets ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The above blood routine test results are generally within the normal range, and treatment is not necessary. As for the TG36 being slightly low, it may be due to insufficient nutrition, so follow-up testing is recommended. It could also be due to a congenital deficiency of ...[Read More] Understanding Low Red Blood Cell Count and Hemoglobin Levels: Causes and Treatment
Understanding Persistent Upper Right Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes
The body has been experiencing issues for a long time? For the past two to three months, I have been experiencing a sensation of heat and swelling in the upper right abdomen, near the lower edge of the ribs (specifically in the area just above the navel and slightly below the rig...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The likelihood of multiple myeloma is low, as the levels of immunoglobulins (such as IgG, IgA, and IgM) are within normal ranges, and the albumin/globulin ratio is also normal, so there is no need to worry about myeloma. As for the pain below th...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Upper Right Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes
Understanding U-PCR and Urinary Protein: Implications for Kidney Health
The relationship between U-PCR (Urine Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio) and kidney function? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a recent health check-up for a 72-year-old male. The U-PCR result is 1336.47, indicating significant proteinuria (+++). Is this indicative of a problem...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, U-PCR 1336.47 or urine bag protein 3+ are both indicators of proteinuria, which is most commonly associated with diabetes, but may also indicate other intrinsic kidney issues. Your overall kidney function is currently normal, but it is still recommended to schedule an appo...[Read More] Understanding U-PCR and Urinary Protein: Implications for Kidney Health
Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels: A Guide
Health check-up shows elevated fasting blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor, I had a health check-up in 2021 with a fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of 139 mg/dL. On January 15, 2022, my fasting blood glucose was 112 mg/dL and t...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to avoid foods and beverages that contain alcohol. Fruits and carbohydrate-rich foods, such as desserts, can also lead to issues with blood sugar and blood lipids. It is advised to have a controlled diet for breakfast, and to exercise regularly and consis...[Read More] Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels: A Guide
Understanding Elevated Total Protein and Globulin Levels in Blood Tests
Blood Test Report Recently, during a health check-up, I had two elevated values: total protein (TP) and globulin (GLO). All other blood counts, as well as urine kidney function and liver function tests, were normal. The serum total protein (TP) was 8.7 g/dL, albumin (ALB) was 4.8...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I think it's okay. In addition to looking at the values, we also consider the albumin/globulin ratio, so there shouldn't be any issues. If you're still concerned, you can visit the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department....[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Protein and Globulin Levels in Blood Tests
Understanding High Cholesterol: The Role of HDL and Health Risks
High cholesterol Hello, my mother is currently 61 years old and recently had a health check-up with the following results: height 167 cm, weight 51 kg, BMI 18.3, blood pressure 138/81, pulse 75, blood glucose 102 (slightly elevated), triglycerides 51, cholesterol 322 (severely el...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: High total cholesterol can be partly attributed to high-density lipoprotein (HDL), while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a significant factor contributing to cardiovascular disease. Whether or not to take medication depends on health insurance regulations, which consider ...[Read More] Understanding High Cholesterol: The Role of HDL and Health Risks