How should I manage the abnormal parameters in my report?
Q: I am a 41 years old. I got a total blood, urine cum stool test done. The following parameters seem to be abnormal. Total CPK of 280.9 IU/L ; Potassium - 5.5mEq/l; LDL Cholesterol - 159.1 mg/dl; Eosinophils - 11%. These readings were given in the high column of the report or were outside the range. What should be my next step?
A:1. The raised CPK could be due to any muscle injury, even heavy physical exertion, and is unlikely to be clinically significant. 2. Potassium levels are influenced by the diet and medications, so require additional input. 3. Of all the forms of cholesterol in the blood, the LDL cholesterol is considered the most important form in determining risk of heart disease. Treatment decisions are based on LDL values. Elevated levels of LDL indicate risk for heart disease. Treatment (with diet or drugs) for high LDL aims to lower LDL to a target value based on your overall risk of heart disease. The target value of LDL cholesterol is:
- LDL less than 100 mg/dL if you have heart disease or diabetes.
- LDL less than 130 mg/dL if you have 2 or more risk factors*.
- LDL less than 160 mg/dL if you have 0 or 1 risk factor*.
- Cigarette smoking
- Age (you are a male 45 years or older or a female 55 years or older)
- Low HDL (less than 40 mg/dL (1.04 mmol/L))
- Hypertension (Blood pressure of 140/90 or higher or taking high blood pressure medications)
- Family history of premature heart disease (heart disease in a first degree male relative under age 55 or a first degree female relative under age 65)
