Managing High Cholesterol and Lipid Levels: A Patient's Guide
High cholesterol and elevated blood lipids? Hello Doctor, I have a question to ask. I recently received my health check report: weight 45 kg, height 164 cm, fasting blood sugar 102 mg/dL, hemoglobin A1c 5.3%, HDL 83 mg/dL, LDL 207 mg/dL, triglycerides 94 mg/dL, and total cholest...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Although you have previously used statin medications for lowering cholesterol, you stopped due to muscle cramping side effects. Currently, dietary control has not effectively reduced your cholesterol levels. You may want to discuss different types of cholesterol-lowering m...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol and Lipid Levels: A Patient's Guide
Understanding the Link Between Cholesterol Levels and Thyroid Function
Cholesterol and Thyroid? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my recent health check-up. After receiving the report, I found that my white blood cell count is 3200, eosinophils are 1.2, cholesterol is 256, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is 133, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) i...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
To determine if the thyroid is underactive, TSH levels must be assessed. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered good cholesterol and cannot be lowered. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Cholesterol Levels and Thyroid Function
Can Stage 3a Chronic Kidney Disease Be Reversed? Medications and Tests Explained
Can stage 3a chronic kidney disease be reversed? What medications are available? The patient has diabetes with a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level maintained at 6.5%. Triglycerides are at 110 mg/dL, uric acid at 4.6 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol at 88.2 mg/dL, ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Ms. Paul, your creatinine level is 135 mg/dL, and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is listed as 1.35 mg/dL, which seems to be incorrect. Please provide the correct values, thank you! (The unit for glomerular filtration rate is ml/min/1.73 m², not mg/dL.) Additionally, a...[Read More] Can Stage 3a Chronic Kidney Disease Be Reversed? Medications and Tests Explained
Managing Slightly Elevated Cholesterol: Medication or Lifestyle Changes?
Slightly elevated total cholesterol? Hello doctor, I recently received my cholesterol test results as follows: Total cholesterol 228, triglycerides 155, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 102.3, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) 107.8, and atherosclerosis risk index 2.23. Should I take m...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If there is no diabetes or cardiovascular disease, improvements can be made through diet and exercise. However, if such conditions are present, medication may be necessary for management. Thank you for your message![Read More] Managing Slightly Elevated Cholesterol: Medication or Lifestyle Changes?
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: A Guide to Key Metrics
Examination Report Hello Dr. Lee, please help me interpret this blood test report. Thank you. Triglycerides (TG): 52 mg/dL Free Thyroxine (FT4): 1.44 ng/mL Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): 1.0742 µIU/mL Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): 89 mg/dL Total Cholesterol: 172 mg/...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The blood test report shows no significant abnormalities. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: A Guide to Key Metrics
Understanding Blood Test Results: What High RBC and Basophils Mean
Blood test? Hello, doctor. This time I suddenly experienced dizziness and vomited twice. I went to the hospital for a blood test, and the results showed RBC 5.11, Basophils 1.9, total cholesterol 202, and triglycerides 219, all highlighted in red. Both RBC and Basophils are sligh...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
If you still experience discomfort, please return for a follow-up appointment to have your attending physician assess your condition and address your concerns in person. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What High RBC and Basophils Mean
Understanding High Cholesterol: When to See a Specialist
High cholesterol Total cholesterol 235, triglycerides 128, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 40, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) 169.4, has hypertension, and occasionally experiences a strong heartbeat. Which specialty should I consult, and what kind of issue is this?
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: You can first see a cardiologist. There is an issue with high cholesterol. You also have a sensation of a strong heartbeat, so it would be advisable to consult a cardiologist to check for any abnormalities.[Read More] Understanding High Cholesterol: When to See a Specialist
Managing Edema: Concerns About Diuretics and Rising Uric Acid Levels
Discontinuation of diuretics can lead to edema? Hello, Doctor. About a month ago, I visited a clinic due to lower limb edema, and the doctor prescribed Rasitol 40 mg, one tablet daily. After taking it, the diuretic effect was quite good, and the edema improved. However, once I st...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
There are many causes of edema. Please visit the relevant specialty clinic to identify the underlying cause. Self-medicating with diuretics will not address the root issue. There are various types of diuretics; for example, thiazide diuretics can lead to elevated uric acid levels...[Read More] Managing Edema: Concerns About Diuretics and Rising Uric Acid Levels
Understanding High Insulin Resistance and Blood Insulin Levels: A Guide
High blood insulin levels and high insulin resistance? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my recent self-paid blood tests. My insulin resistance index is 7.1 (normal range: 1.4-2.0), and my blood insulin concentration is 28.65 uU/mL (normal range: 2.6-24.9), which is higher...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, a fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL is classified as impaired fasting glucose (IFG), which is a form of prediabetes. The diagnosis of prediabetes does not rely on the insulin resistance index or blood insulin levels. There are many reasons for a high insulin resista...[Read More] Understanding High Insulin Resistance and Blood Insulin Levels: A Guide
Understanding Prediabetes: Key Questions and Concerns Explained
Hello doctor, I would like to ask some questions about diabetes? I had a health check-up two weeks ago. My fasting blood sugar was 116 mg/dL and my hemoglobin A1c was 5.7%. Does this mean I am in the prediabetic stage or have I already developed diabetes? In the morning, my fasti...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello Mr. Kuo: Your fasting blood glucose is 116, and your hemoglobin A1c is 5.7, which indicates impaired fasting glucose, but it is not diabetes yet. Your blood glucose before lunch is also abnormal, ranging from 117 to 12X. It is recommended that you consult a metabolic specia...[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Key Questions and Concerns Explained
Understanding Elevated Creatinine and Triglycerides: Key Insights for Patients
Both creatinine and triglycerides are elevated? Question: I visited my family medicine doctor on Sunday because I previously had high cholesterol issues (last year it was 236). The doctor asked if I could have blood drawn to track my levels today. I replied that I had just gone h...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, Xiaohua: To measure triglycerides, you should fast for 8-10 hours. The values can be affected by diet, so it is recommended to fast for 8-10 hours and avoid vigorous exercise before the test.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine and Triglycerides: Key Insights for Patients
Key Health Concerns and Obesity: Understanding Your Test Results
Issues I should be aware of regarding obesity? Examination Date Examination Item Result 01/13/112 Creatinine (U) 22.70 01/13/112 Urine Protein 4.00 01/13/112 Glucose (B) 98.00 01/13/112 HbA1c 6.20 01/13/112 GPT 64 01/13/112 HDL-C 45 01/13/112 LDL-C 82.00 01/13/112...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
A hemoglobin A1c level of 6.2 indicates prediabetes, and it is important to implement dietary control and exercise to prevent the progression to diabetes in the future.[Read More] Key Health Concerns and Obesity: Understanding Your Test Results
Managing High Cholesterol: When to See a Doctor and Lifestyle Tips
Recent health check revealed slightly elevated cholesterol levels? Recently, a health check revealed slightly elevated cholesterol levels. My height is 164 cm and weight is 44 kg. Total cholesterol is 238 mg/dL, triglycerides are 42 mg/dL, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is 69.9 m...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to see a physician. Whether treatment is necessary depends on the physician's assessment of any risk factors you may have, such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and other risk factors. Additionally, it is im...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: When to See a Doctor and Lifestyle Tips
Is High HDL Cholesterol Really Safe? Understanding Your Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol issues Recently, blood tests showed triglycerides at 67 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol at 133 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol at 150 mg/dL, and total cholesterol at 273 mg/dL. The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol is 2.1...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Some studies have shown that excessively high levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol may be detrimental to health. Elevated HDL cholesterol levels can actually increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, other research has found that having to...[Read More] Is High HDL Cholesterol Really Safe? Understanding Your Cholesterol Levels
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
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
Do Nutritional Supplements Strain Kidney Function? A Closer Look
Kidney problems Doctor, will consuming "Quaker Complete Nutritional - Double Protein Formula Original Flavor Sugar-Free" cause kidney burden? Ingredients: Deionized water, maltodextrin, calcium caseinate, canola oil, sodium caseinate, sunflower oil, indigestible maltode...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. S: May I first ask you what the definition of "causing kidney burden" is? Do you think eating two bowls of Ichiran ramen "will cause kidney burden"? What about eating a 40-ounce steak? I believe that for the general population or individuals with kid...[Read More] Do Nutritional Supplements Strain Kidney Function? A Closer Look
Should You Take Medication for High LDL Cholesterol Levels?
Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)? The total cholesterol is 245 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is 150 mg/dL (exceeding the standard value of 130 mg/dL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is 78 mg/dL. Given that triglycerides are 9...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: According to the regulations for medication coverage under the National Health Insurance, it is necessary to consider whether the patient has cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or risk factors. The definition of cardiovascular disease includes: (1) coronary atherosclerosis ...[Read More] Should You Take Medication for High LDL Cholesterol Levels?
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Three high issues (referring to high blood pressure, high Hello Doctor: I recently had a basic blood test, and here are the results: eGFR: 80 (Is this low?), ALT: 12 (Does this indicate that my liver is healthy?), Uric Acid: 5.1 (Is this high?), TG (Triglycerides): 63 (I previous...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
A hemoglobin A1c level of 6 indicates prediabetes, and regular monitoring is necessary. Currently, dietary control is recommended. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: When to See a Nephrologist
Creatinine levels exceed the standard? Hello Doctor: In my blood test report, my creatinine level is 1.21 and my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 71.7. Should I urgently see a nephrologist? What advice would you give me? My triglycerides are 160, total cholesterol is 210, high...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
For chronic kidney disease, a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) greater than 60, combined with proteinuria, hematuria, or renal parenchymal damage (such as stones, edema, or cysts), is required for a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. Based on the report you provided, while your...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: When to See a Nephrologist