Blood Profile Questions

[evanduf]

I recently had a paraphysical for life insurance which included blood work.  It came back with elevated SGOT and SGPT.  I drank a considerable amount of wine the night before. The nurse had told me the consumption of even excessive alcohol the evening prior to the morning test would have no impact, however I am hearing otherwise.  Here are the full results:

GLUCOSE   79
FRUCTOSAMINE    1.7
HEMOGLOBIN A1C    Reflex test not performed
BUN    17
CREATININE    .9
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE    50.16
BILIRUBIN TOTAL     .5
SGOT (AST)    41
SGPT (ALT)    68
GGT (GGTP)   194
TOTAL PROTEIN   7.4
ALBUMIN    4.6
GLOBULIN   2.8
TRIGLYCERIDES   147
CHOLESTEROL    280
   LDL         176
   HDL         75
   CHOL/HDL CHOL RATIO   3.7
ANTIBODY TO HIV    non-reactive
HEPATITIS B    negative
HEPATITIS C    negative

Do these results suggest liver disease?  Would a another test with no alcohol consumption for say 48 hours prior show different results?  Should I get my estate in order?

Regarding the cholesterol, while elevated at 280, the 3.7 ratio is near perfect.  Any comments?

Thank you.

Evan
46 year old white male

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The liver enzymes are only mildly elevated.  I would repeat the test in a few weeks after abstaining from alcohol.  If it continues to be elevated, the next step would be an abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the liver and gallbladder.  Any type of mass can cause an elevation of enzymes.  Hepatitis screen is negative - which eliminates one potential cause.

The cholesterol is high.  The LDL ("bad" cholesterol) should be less than 130, or less than 100 if you are diabetic or have coronary artery disease.  I would discuss treatment options (i.e. lifestyle changes vs medication) with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[evanduf]

OK, but the HDL Cholesterol is very high also which is a good thing, I understand, under 40 being a concern.  My insurance company was not at all concerned with the cholesterol.  What does that ratio mean?  That HDL neutralizes LDL?

Evan