Addressing Abnormal Blood Test Results: MCH, MCHC, HDL, and LDL Levels
At 22 years old, I recently underwent routine health screenings and received some concerning results. Notably, my Body Mass Index (BMI) stands at 19.2, and I was experiencing symptoms of a cold and cough during the tests. Below are my blood report results: - Hemoglobin: 14.9 g/dL (normal range: 13.0 - 17.0 g/dL) - Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): 4.6 million cells/mcL (normal range: 4.5 - 5.5 million cells/mcL) - Hematocrit (HCT): 42.2% (normal range: 40-50%) - Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): 32.3 pg (normal range: 27-32 pg) - Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): 35.3 g/dL (normal range: 31.5-34.5 g/dL) - Red Cell Distribution Width-Coefficient of Variation (RDW-CV): 15.1% (normal range: 11.5-14%) - Total White Blood Cell Count: 10.20 thousand cells/mcL (normal range: 4-10 thousand cells/mcL) - Neutrophils: 63% (normal range: 40-80%) - Lymphocytes: 21% (normal range: 20-40%) - Eosinophils: 8% (normal range: 1-6%) - Absolute Eosinophils Count: 0.82 thousand cells/mcL (normal range: 0.02-0.5 thousand cells/mcL) - Absolute Basophil Count: 0 thousand cells/mcL (normal range: 0.02-0.5 thousand cells/mcL) - Platelet Count: 243 thousand cells/mcL (normal range: 150-410 thousand cells/mcL) Regarding my lipid profile: - Total Cholesterol: 167 mg/dL (normal limit: <=199.9 mg/dL) - Triglycerides: 116 mg/dL (normal limit: <=149.9 mg/dL) - High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol: 38 mg/dL (desirable level: >=39.9 mg/dL) - Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol: 106 mg/dL (normal limit: <=99.9 mg/dL) What might explain these unusual results?
Answers (1)
8/14/2025, 6:11:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
Your blood test results show some areas that are slightly outside the normal ranges, particularly in your MCH, MCHC, RDW-CV, eosinophils, HDL, and LDL levels. Let's break down these findings and outline next steps.
Main Points
- MCH and MCHC Levels: Slightly elevated, which could indicate an excess of hemoglobin in your red blood cells.
- RDW-CV and Eosinophils: Both levels are elevated, suggesting potential mild inflammation or allergies.
- Lipid Profile: Low HDL and slightly elevated LDL may raise concerns about your heart health.
Explanation
- MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) and MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration): These markers indicate how much hemoglobin is present in red blood cells. Your levels are slightly elevated, which isn't typically alarming but may reflect dehydration or an acute infection.
- RDW-CV (Red Cell Distribution Width): Measures the variation in red blood cell size. Your level is above normal, which can occur due to various factors, including nutritional deficiencies or inflammation.
- Eosinophils: Elevated eosinophils might suggest an allergic reaction or infection, particularly if you're experiencing cold and cough symptoms.
- Lipid Profile: Low HDL (often referred to as "good" cholesterol) can increase heart disease risk, while elevated LDL ("bad" cholesterol) can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries.
Next Steps
- Monitor Symptoms: Since you were experiencing a cold and cough during testing, allow some time for recovery. Track your symptoms to see if they resolve gradually.
- Increase HDL Levels: To improve your HDL, focus on:
- Physical Activity: Engage in regular exercise, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly.
- Healthy Fats: Incorporate sources of healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, and nuts into your diet.
- Avoid Trans Fats: Limit processed foods high in trans fats which can decrease HDL.
- Dietary Adjustments: Emphasize a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Consider foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, which can help manage cholesterol levels.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, especially if you suspect dehydration might be impacting your blood results.
- Follow-Up Blood Tests: After a few weeks post-recovery, consider discussing with a healthcare professional the need for follow-up blood tests to see if levels normalize, particularly after implementing lifestyle changes.
Stay informed about your health and feel free to adjust your lifestyle based on how your body feels. Let me know if you need more specific advice on any of these points!
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