Blood Test - General Points

[film]

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate or ESR


ESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is commonly called a "sed rate."
It is a test that indirectly measures how much inflammation is in the body.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was determined in 180 DHF patients (dengue) and 70 patients with various viral and bacterial infections. normal range is (0 - 15)

Why the Test Is Performed

A "sed rate" is often ordered for someone who is having unexplained fevers, certain types of arthritis, muscle symptoms, or other vague symptoms that cannot be explained.
Once a diagnosis has been made, this test may be used to monitor whether the illness is becoming more active or flaring up.

This test can be used to monitor inflammatory diseases or cancer. It is a screening test, which means it cannot be used to diagnose a specific disorder.
However, it is useful for detecting and monitoring:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Certain forms of arthritis
• Inflammatory diseases that cause vague symptoms
• Tuberculosis

Recheck your blood test after 1 month.

[annie]

On my last blood test, my triglycerides were 280. Should I be worried about that?

A high triglyceride level is worrisome for several reasons. It's usually accompanied by a high level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the so-called bad cholesterol) and a low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, "good" cholesterol). Very high triglycerides can damage the liver and pancreas.


TRIGLYCERIDE LEVELS
Normal: Less than 150
Borderline high: 150-199
High: 200-499
Very high: 500 or higher
(Values in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)


Several things can cause triglyceride levels to rise. The most common culprit is a diet rich in fatty foods and highly processed carbohydrates, followed by excess weight, smoking, and little physical activity. Other contributors include an underactive thyroid gland, kidney disease, diabetes, overproduction of the hormones aldosterone or cortisol, some medications, and some genetic conditions.

[Kumar11]

Thanks for the share this useful post.