Recent Blood Test Results: Should I Be Worried?
Hello everyone, I recently underwent a blood test as part of my efforts to manage my LDL cholesterol. About a year and a half ago, my levels were measuring at 150. As a 27-year-old male, weighing 155 pounds and standing at 5'10", I usually lead an active lifestyle. It's worth mentioning that I completed an 8-mile run the day prior to the blood test, which took place the next morning; I'm unsure how that might influence the results. To my relief, my LDL cholesterol has decreased to 84, which is great news! :D However, I did notice a few concerning figures: - AST: 55 u/L (expected range: 10 - 40 u/L) - Platelets: 131 Thousand/uL (expected range: 140 - 400 Thousand/uL) - MPV: 13 fL (expected range: 7.5 - 12.5 fL) - Hematocrit: 50.8% (expected range: 38.5% - 50%) Should I be worried about these results? I tend to drink alcohol only occasionally, and from my readings, it appears that the elevated AST might stem from my run the day before. Nevertheless, I'm troubled by the low platelet count, increased MPV, and the hematocrit levels, especially since all these values have been normal in previous tests.
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 1:01:06 AM
OpenHealth AI
Congratulations on successfully lowering your LDL cholesterol to 84! That's a significant achievement for your heart health. However, I understand you're concerned about the other blood test results. Let's break them down.
Main Points:
- Elevated AST: This may be related to your recent exercise, but further evaluation is warranted.
- Low Platelet Count and Increased MPV: These require attention, although they can have many causes.
- Hematocrit Slightly Elevated: Noted elevation that could indicate dehydration or other factors.
Explanation:
-
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): This enzyme can be elevated due to intense physical activity, liver issues, or other conditions. Since you ran 8 miles before the test, this may have influenced your results. It's good to retest this when you're not physically stressed.
-
Platelet Count (131 Thousand/uL): A slight decrease can be due to various causes, including infections, certain medications, or even benign conditions, but low levels need to be monitored.
-
Mean Platelet Volume (MPV): This indicates the size of your platelets. Higher levels might suggest your bone marrow is producing platelets at an increased rate, potentially in response to a low platelet count.
-
Hematocrit (50.8%): This measures the proportion of your blood that is made up of red blood cells. A slight increase might be due to dehydration or could indicate other underlying issues.
Next Steps:
- Recheck Blood Tests: Schedule a follow-up blood test in a few weeks to monitor AST, platelet count, MPV, and hematocrit.
- Hydration: Ensure you're well-hydrated before any future tests to help stabilize your hematocrit levels.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any unusual symptoms (like easy bruising, bleeding, fatigue, etc.) that may arise while you observe these changes.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Continue your active lifestyle, focusing on balanced nutrition, proper hydration, and limiting alcohol intake, as it can affect liver enzymes.
- Document Changes: Note any lifestyle changes or stressors that could correlate with your lab results, as this can help your healthcare provider understand the context.
If you have further worries or new symptoms, consider reaching out for more personalized advice. It's great to stay proactive about your health!
Related Questions
Interpretation Request for Recent Spinal NM Bone Scan
Hello, doctors. I'm reaching out for your insights regarding a recent NM bone scan of my spine. I've previously undergone a similar scan in 2022, and I'd like to compare the two. To provide context, I am a 29-year-old female weighing 100 kg, and I've been diagnosed with conditions including endplate sclerosis, spinal stenosis, cervical bone spurs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and mild scoliosis. My medication regimen consists of several prescriptions. Unfortunately, my next appointment with my general practitioner is still a few weeks away, so I would appreciate your assessments on how the latest scan compares to the previous one. Thank you in advance for your help!
Unexpected Eye Issues: Headache and Double Vision Concerns
A 33-year-old female, measuring 1.67 meters in height and weighing 55 kilograms, residing in the Netherlands, experienced a sudden onset of symptoms. Last evening, shortly after dinner, my partner complained of a slight headache localized at the rear of her head. Along with this discomfort, she encountered double vision and noticed her right eye deviating outward. Interestingly, when she shut either eye, the double vision resolved, enabling her to see without distortion. We rushed her to the emergency room later that night. The medical team conducted a variety of assessments, including physical examinations, neurological evaluations, visual tests, and laboratory analyses. Fortunately, all results were normal. However, the doctors found it peculiar that her right eye exhibited normal movement and accurately tracked a pen in all directions when her left eye was closed. The medical opinion suggested that it may be a migraine-related episode, a condition she has experienced previously. Nonetheless, she insists that this feels unlike any migraine she has had in the past. A teleconsultation with a neurologist is scheduled for Monday to arrange an MRI should the symptoms continue. The doctors advised that if her symptoms worsen, we should return to the hospital immediately. Fortunately, after a night's rest, her vision had returned to normal by morning, the headache had subsided, and her right eye was aligned properly. I am understandably concerned, particularly due to her assertion that this does not resemble a typical migraine. Is it possible that this is indeed a migraine, or could it be indicative of another underlying issue? Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Unusual Wave Patterns in ECG: Potential Artifacts in Lead V6
Upon examining the ECG readings, I've noticed peculiar double wave formations appearing between the QRS complex and the T wave in lead V6. This is new to me, as I have never encountered such patterns before. Could these be classified as artifacts?
Unexplained Bruises on My Right Hand – Seeking Advice
I've noticed some unusual bruising on my right hand over the past month. Strangely enough, they don't hurt at all. Should I be concerned about this? It's quite puzzling to see these random marks without any apparent cause.
Intense Pain in Left Thumb
Greetings, I’ve been experiencing a piercing pain at the tip of my left thumb intermittently. This discomfort is situated within the thumb rather than on the outer skin. It primarily affects the underside of the thumb and surrounds the base of the nail. The pain seems to extend only to the first skin fold, specifically around the distal phalanx. When applying pressure, I’ve noticed some red streaks appearing beneath the surface, alongside the white area. I trust this explanation is clear. This issue has persisted for over a year, occurring sporadically but intensifying as time has passed. Could this be a cause for concern? A bit about myself: I am a 25-year-old female with no significant medical issues in my background. I previously smoked cigarettes for three years, transitioned to vaping, and have been vaping for six years now. I maintain an active lifestyle, frequently going to the gym and participating in various sports such as indoor football and pickleball. I don’t have any known allergies.