Seeking Guidance on Recent Blood Test Results
Greetings! I'm a 34-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 5 inches and weighing around 117 pounds. I maintain a regular exercise routine and generally possess an athletic physique. Although I consume a variety of supplements—without a strict regimen—my dining habits when eating out aren’t always optimal, especially during the summer months, even as I manage to keep up with my workouts. Recently, I underwent a blood test and found myself feeling anxious after seeing some concerning results on the screen, which is a first for me. I'm reaching out for any advice or insights that may assist me in understanding these findings. I genuinely appreciate any help! One additional detail is that my test was conducted at a walk-in lab, and I did not fast for the recommended eight hours beforehand. I had an iced coffee with cream about seven hours prior to the blood draw. Here are my results: - LDL: 116 - MCV: 105 - Blood Calcium: 10.5
Answers (1)
7/3/2025, 1:40:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your blood test results and your concerns with me. It's completely understandable to feel anxious about health matters, especially when it involves lab results. Let's break down your findings to help you understand what they mean and what actions you might consider.
Main Points:
Your tests indicate elevated levels in LDL cholesterol, MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume), and blood calcium. I’ll explain each of these, then provide some steps you can take.
Explanation:
-
LDL Cholesterol (116 mg/dL): LDL is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. While it's ideal for LDL to be below 100 mg/dL, levels below 130 mg/dL are typically considered acceptable for most adults. Since you’re active, lifestyle factors play a crucial role in managing cholesterol levels.
-
MCV (105 fL): MCV measures the average size of red blood cells. A higher MCV can suggest various conditions, including vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, or sometimes just indicate your body's response to certain factors. Normal MCV is generally between 80-100 fL.
-
Blood Calcium (10.5 mg/dL): Normal blood calcium levels are typically in the range of 8.5-10.2 mg/dL; therefore, a level of 10.5 mg/dL may be slightly elevated. This can occur due to various reasons, including dietary factors or supplements.
Next Steps:
-
Dietary Adjustments:
- Reduce Saturated Fats: Focus on heart-healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish, while limiting saturated fats found in red meat and full-fat dairy.
- Nutrient-Rich Foods: Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet. These can help improve overall nutrition and potentially lower LDL levels.
-
Monitor Your Supplements: Some supplements can affect calcium and cholesterol levels. Make sure you’re aware of what you’re taking and consider discussing this with a healthcare provider.
-
Hydration and Diet before Tests: Although you didn’t fast for this test, moving forward, consider fasting for 8-12 hours before blood tests as advised, which can provide clearer results, especially for cholesterol.
-
Follow-Up: Given the findings, consider scheduling a follow-up blood test in a few months to monitor these levels, especially after making dietary changes. Keeping track of any symptoms or changes in your overall health can also be helpful.
-
Stay Active: Continue with your exercise routine, as regular physical activity helps manage cholesterol and supports overall health.
Closing Thoughts:
Feeling anxious after important health tests is normal, but the good news is, many factors can be managed through lifestyle changes. Take these results as a starting point for evaluating your health and making adjustments that can help you feel even better. If you have further questions or uncertainties, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Concerns About Telemedicine during a Drive
Hello everyone, I'm a 28-year-old woman with a background of thyroid cancer, necessitating routine check-ups every six months. Recently, a question came to my mind regarding the professional conduct of my primary care physician. I was taken aback to learn that she participated in my telemedicine appointment while driving. I've noticed her appearing somewhat distracted during our in-person visits and at times, she forgets the medications we discuss during our reviews, but this situation felt even more inappropriate. It’s challenging for me to comprehend why I’m spending $450 post-insurance for what feels like a casual video call when it’s clear she is multitasking. Although I've been under her care for about two years, I'm eager to find a practitioner who will genuinely take the time to understand my health history and build a long-term relationship. I appreciate any insights you can offer!
Concerns About a Recent Lump on My Shaft: Seeking Guidance
I’m a 20-year-old male with allergies primarily to wood, pollen, and grass, which used to cause me hives, but that issue has resolved. Now, to address the main concern. I found a lump on my shaft while showering yesterday morning, and it caught me off guard. Up until now, I haven’t experienced any discomfort, and I still feel largely fine. The size of the lump is similar to that of a pimple or possibly a cyst, but I'm unsure. I'm contemplating whether it would be wise to consult a doctor about this issue, as I want to be informed on how to proceed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Should We Handle This Ear Issue at Home or Seek Medical Attention?
I’m sharing this on behalf of my husband, a 33-year-old male who is not currently taking any medications and has no known chronic conditions. The only relevant detail is that he has a significant issue with earwax accumulation. At times, this leads to noticeable deposits on his pillow when he sleeps on his side, affecting his hearing. For the past few days, his ear has exhibited symptoms similar to what is often seen in various ear conditions. He reports feeling a sense of discomfort, although there is no pain or itchiness involved. Touching or tugging on the tragus and surrounding areas does not elicit any pain. He’s uncertain why there are scabs around this area. He mentioned experiencing a sensation of fluid inside the ear yesterday, prompting him to use some over-the-counter peroxide drops to help clear it out. He described the output as a thick, opaque discharge resembling earwax, but darker and more liquid in texture. Today, while the fullness sensation seems to have diminished, the discomfort remains. His other ear appears normal, perhaps just slightly dry, but nothing more than what is typical for ears. Given this information, I'd like to know whether this is a situation he can manage at home or one that warrants a visit to urgent care. Additionally, what might be the underlying issue?
Understanding Esophageal Polyps
I’m a 33-year-old woman who recently discovered a polyp located at the base of my esophagus. I’m wondering if anyone has insights on what the possible pathology results might indicate? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
Pushing Boundaries or Overdoing It?
For several years, I was an active competitive cheerleader, which meant my body was constantly in motion and often sore due to rigorous practice sessions, especially during competition periods. When I transitioned to college and stepped away from cheerleading, I paused my workout routine. This hiatus led to feelings of guilt over my inactivity and sparked a desire to shed some pounds. Consequently, I began monitoring my food intake, utilizing a scale to track my macronutrients. I focused on increasing my protein consumption, something I previously struggled with due to my picky eating habits regarding meat. Around the same time, one of my roommates was dealing with disordered eating, which influenced my own mindset and behaviors, pulling me into a similar downward spiral. During a difficult couple of months, my eating habits fluctuated between consuming limited meals and intermittent fasting. Ultimately, I managed to break free from that harmful cycle and began to enjoy healthier, more balanced meals once again. Simultaneously, my sleep schedule was severely lacking, averaging only 3 to 5 hours each night. Post-Thanksgiving holiday, I established a more consistent routine in December, committing to daily workouts to alleviate the guilt and anxiety surrounding food and boost my sense of productivity. My regimen included a 30 to 45-minute workout, a brief stretch, a 20-minute incline walk, along with several local trail walks spanning about 4 to 6 miles. However, this rapid increase in physical activity took a toll on my body. I developed a pump bump on my right heel and suffered from severe Achilles tendinitis in my left ankle, which became so swollen that the tendon was not visible. A visit to the podiatrist revealed the issue stemmed from a bone growth at the front of my ankle joint, potentially a remnant of a previous cheer injury. I was advised to switch to shoes with a higher heel, take anti-inflammatory medication, and engage in physical therapy. Though the swelling subsided and the pain lessened in the interim, I was eager to get back to college and get into my fitness routine. Upon returning, feeling as though I had fallen behind, I ramped up my workouts significantly. I started a regimen that included an hour of weightlifting followed by over two hours of inclined walking on the treadmill, aiming to burn more than 1,000 calories from Monday through Friday, with weekends reserved primarily for rest, featuring an abdominal workout and leisurely walks. Regrettably, my roommate's calorie tracking habits led me to regress into similar behaviors. I avoided using the food scale this time, hesitant to return to previous unhealthy patterns, yet I still substantially reduced my caloric intake, attempting to keep it below 1,000 calories while burning over that amount through exercise. My approach included moderate meals Monday through Thursday, reserving weekends for larger meals and occasional treats. On weekdays, I typically consumed a third of a banana before workouts, engaged in three hours of intense exercise, then took an energy drink before classes. Post-class, I’d have some cucumber or a piece of fruit before dinner, which generally consisted of protein, a whole-grain English muffin, and salad. If I had room left, I’d enjoy a Greek yogurt for dessert. So far, this strategy has yielded favorable results; I've lost almost 14 pounds since my last checkup in mid-December, and my stomach discomfort has lessened. However, after a 10-mile walk this past Sunday, I began to experience significant pain in my right shin, assuming it might be shin splints but continuing to work out as usual. The week has been challenging, caught between the urge to maintain a 1,000-calorie burn while grappling with persistent pain, even while at rest. The discomfort is concentrated on the front part of my shin, spanning about the size of a quarter, and is painful to touch. Movement aggravates the sensation, making it hurt to walk or even lift my leg while sitting. There's noticeable swelling and warmth, and the pain seems to intensify in the evening, causing discomfort even when resting in bed. I sought care today, and while an X-ray showed no significant issues—a relief—the physician suspects it might be tendonitis. I was initially fearful of a stress fracture, having heard stories of athletes pushing through such injuries, resulting in more severe complications. Given that the X-ray was clear, I am reassured, but I'm still anxious to continue my workouts, as I feel uneasy just remaining inactive and eating without sufficient exercise. I would appreciate any insights into my situation and whether it appears to align with the diagnosis in terms of allowing me to continue training—perhaps avoiding excessive incline walking during this time.