Metabolic Panel Analysis Feedback
Age: 36 years, Weight: 180 pounds, Height: 5 feet 6 inches Currently prescribed medications: 5mg Eliquis taken twice daily due to a history of deep vein thrombosis, 5mg Lexapro once daily, and 10mg Crestor once daily, alongside 65mg of iron (ferrous sulfate 325) taken twice daily. Recently, I underwent a metabolic panel examination and I’d like to discuss the results to see if they appear to be within acceptable ranges. Here are the values obtained: - Glucose: Within the normal range of 70-99 mg/dL, recorded at 91 mg/dL. - Sodium: Measured between 136-145 mg/dL, my result was 140 mg/dL. - Potassium: Ranges from 3.5-5.1 mg/dL, my level is at 4.1 mg/dL. - Chloride: Standard range is 98-107 mg/dL, mine is elevated at 112 mg/dL (above normal). - CO2: Expected range is 22-29 mg/dL; my result came in lower at 20 mg/dL. - Anion Gap: Normal is between 4-15; I registered at 8. - Calcium: The reference range is 8.4-10.4 mg/dL, with my level at 9.2 mg/dL. - BUN: The standard range is 7-18 mg/dL, I scored 13 mg/dL. - Creatinine: Expected to be between 0.57-1.11 mg/dL, my result is 0.73 mg/dL. - BUN/Creatinine Ratio: Normal range is 7.0-25; my ratio is recorded at 17.8. - Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is greater than 60. Interestingly, my doctor remarked that everything appeared normal, yet I’m curious about those elevated chloride levels and the low CO2 reading. Any insights would be appreciated!
Answers (1)
3/17/2025, 4:10:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your metabolic panel results show mostly normal values, but you have raised valid concerns regarding the elevated chloride levels and low CO2 reading. Let’s break this down:
Summary of Your Results
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Normal Values:
- Glucose, Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, BUN, Creatinine, and Anion Gap are within acceptable limits.
- Your doctor noted the overall results as normal.
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Areas of Concern:
- Chloride: Elevated at 112 mg/dL (normal range is 98-107 mg/dL).
- CO2: Low at 20 mg/dL (normal range is 22-29 mg/dL).
Explanation
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Elevated Chloride Levels: Chloride helps maintain the body’s acid-base balance and fluid balance. Mildly elevated levels can result from dehydration, a high-salt diet, or even stress. Long-term elevation could signal issues requiring further analysis.
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Low CO2 Levels: This can indicate metabolic acidosis or respiratory issues and may be connected with certain conditions, including chronic diarrhea or hyperventilation. However, slight deviations can occur due to recent exercise or diet too.
Next Steps
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Hydration: Make sure you're adequately hydrating; sometimes, dehydration can affect these levels. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily, unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
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Dietary Considerations:
- Be mindful of your salt intake. High salt can elevate chloride levels.
- Increase foods rich in potassium (like bananas, spinach) and those with healthy proteins while balancing your overall diet.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any symptoms you might experience that could relate to these findings, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, or breathing issues.
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Follow Up: Since your doctor indicated that everything seems normal, it may not be urgent, but consider discussing your concerns further with them during your next visit. Share your observations regarding the chloride and CO2 levels for more focused guidance.
Staying informed and proactive about your health is commendable! If you have any more concerns or experience notable changes in your health, don’t hesitate to seek further medical attention.
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