Understanding your health markers
Understanding Your Health Markers: The Key to Early Detection and Wellness
Regularly testing key health markers and tracking their changes over time can provide valuable information to your healthcare team. It is possible to detect illnesses before symptoms interfere with your life.
Treating or managing any developing conditions prevents them from getting worse and, in some cases, it might even save your life.
Read more to learn about common healthcare markers and what they can tell you about your health.
Total cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is essential for the body’s cell membranes and the production of certain hormones, but high levels can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries. Plaque buildup increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Monitoring your cholesterol helps assess these risks and guides dietary or medicinal interventions to maintain healthy levels.
Blood sugar (glucose)
Tests to monitor blood sugar levels are used to help diagnose and manage diabetes. Regularly testing your fasting blood glucose or A1C (a measure of average blood sugar over three months) can detect prediabetes or diabetes early in the course of the disease.
Proper management through diet, exercise, and possibly medication can prevent or delay the onset of complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems.
Liver function
Your liver helps detoxify your blood, metabolize drugs, and it produces important proteins. Liver function tests measure enzymes produced by the liver. Abnormal levels can indicate liver damage or disease, often before you feel any symptoms. Early detection allows for timely interventions that can prevent progression to more severe liver conditions.
Kidney function
Your kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from your blood, which are then excreted in your urine. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and creatinine levels are two critical markers of kidney function. eGFR estimates how well your kidneys are filtering, while creatinine is a waste product that builds up in your blood if your kidneys are not functioning properly.
Monitoring these levels help your healthcare team detect early signs of kidney disease and begin treatment, which could prevent further deterioration.
Hemoglobin and CBC
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. A complete blood count (CBC) measures components of your blood like hemoglobin, white blood cells, and platelets. Abnormal hemoglobin levels can indicate conditions like anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue and other health issues. A CBC can also help detect infections, immune system disorders, and blood cancers.
C-reactive protein (CRP)
C-reactive protein is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. Elevated CRP levels can indicate inflammation, which could be due to conditions like infections, autoimmune disorders, or chronic diseases. CRP testing is often used in conjunction with other tests to assess your risk of cardiovascular problems and to monitor inflammatory conditions. Lowering inflammation through lifestyle changes or medication can reduce the risk of related health issues.
Thyroid health (TSH, FT3, FT4)
The thyroid gland helps to regulate your metabolism, energy levels, and overall hormonal balance. Thyroid function tests, including Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Triiodothyronine (T3), and Thyroxine (T4) levels, help diagnose thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Early detection and treatment of thyroid imbalances can prevent complications like weight fluctuations, fatigue, and mood disorders.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function, brain health, and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in B12 can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, memory loss, and nerve damage. It’s particularly important for older adults, vegetarians, and those with certain digestive disorders or surgeries to monitor their B12 levels, as they may be at higher risk for deficiency. Regular testing can track levels over time, detect deficiency, and monitor treatment progress. Low levels of B12 can be improved with dietary changes or supplementation.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. Low levels of vitamin D are linked to an increased risk of bone fractures, osteoporosis, and certain chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Regularly checking your vitamin D levels, especially in areas with limited sun exposure, can help you maintain adequate levels through diet, supplementation, or safe sun exposure.
Choose HNL Lab Medicine
HNL Lab Medicine has convenient options to help you stay on top of these important health markers. With HNL Lab Tests Direct, you can order blood tests with the click of a button. Just like when a lab test is ordered by your doctor, you can visit one of our 50+ locations for a quick and comfortable experience.
No appointment required! Your healthcare team should then be consulted to go over your results. HNL Lab Medicine also has options to get your bloodwork completed at home.
Our Patient Service Centers accept lab work orders from any physician. Whatever option best suits your lifestyle, we’ve got you covered.