Re: Blood Test Results

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on April 29, 1998 at 16:14:01:

In Reply to: Blood Test Results posted by Ron H. on April 29, 1998 at 08:48:35:






During a recent insurance physical, my blood test results came back showing high (5.7) serum albumin, and high (275) triglyceride levels.  Everything else was well within the ranges listed.  What does this all mean and what, if anything, am I supposed to do about it.  Thank you.







Dear Ron, the high serum albumin level is probably nothing to worry about.  
Sometimes, the total protein level (which is usually drawn with the albumin
level) can identify people with elevated globulin levels that may be a sign
of a hematologic disorder.  Total protein measures both globulin and albumin
levels in the blood so one could deduce from an elevated level with a normal
albumin level that the globulin level is increased, but more blood tests would
need to confirm that.  In your case, the high albumin doesn't signify anything
abnormal.  Albumin is used to assess the long term nutritional status of patients
since it reflects body protein stores for the last month.  The high triglyceride
level, alone, is hard to interpret.  If your blood was drawn without a 12 hr.
fast beforehand, then the triglyceride level reflects what you ate before the
blood was drawn and not your true level which would need to be checked after
a 12 hr. fast.  Additionally, it would be good to know your cholesterol levels.
We now look at the LDL and HDL cholesterol.  We like to see all patients's
LDL levels below 130 if they have no risk factors for coronary disease (smoking,
diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of coronary disease, obesity) or
below 100 if they have 2 or more risk factors.  The ideal HDL is above 45.  
Diet therapy, exercise, and lipid lowering medications together can dramatically
lower the LDL and slightly increase the HDL (good cholesterol) level.  An
isolated high triglyceride level in someone without diabetes (with normal HDL
and LDL levels) should not be concerning.  Why don't you write back if you have
further questions after reading this?
Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Specific
diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.