Health and Lifestyle Blood Test

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin levels increase when there is liver damage or disease. A high bilirubin level can be a sign of liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is an enzyme that is found in the liver. GGT levels increase when there is liver damage or disease. A high GGT level can be a sign of liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.

LDL or Low-density lipoprotein helps the body transport fat such as Triglycerides. However, LDL is often referred to as the 'bad' cholesterol because when your LDL levels are elevated, you face an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. These include heart attack and heart disease. This occurs as LDL can lead to fatty deposits accruing in the artery walls leading to atherosclerosis. For more information on LDL, click here.

Total cholesterol measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including HDL and LDL. Cholesterol is created in the liver and plays an important role in multiple bodily functions such as; creating vitamin D and bile and being the membrane of all of your body's cells. Cholesterol helps to transport fatty acids around through the blood, and can act as an excellent indicator for your heart health, such as predispositions to cardiovascular issues such as a heart attack and heart disease.

Albumin is a protein that's found in your blood. Albumin levels can be checked with a blood test. A normal albumin level is 3.5 to 5 g/dL. If your albumin level is low, it may be a sign of malnutrition or liver damage. Treatment for a low albumin level depends on the underlying cause. If your albumin level is low due to malnutrition, your doctor may recommend that you take a supplement or eat a balanced diet. If your albumin level is low due to liver damage, treatment will focus on the underlying liver condition.

Triglycerides are a blood fat playing an essential part in the healthy function of your body. Triglycerides are the body's primary storage method for fat and can be used as an energy source. Triglycerides are created in the liver, and while they are essential for energy and fat storage, having elevated levels of triglycerides can lead to cardiovascular issues. Therefore it is crucial to monitor your triglycerides when checking overall cholesterol levels.

While we are individually measuring your HDL and LDL levels in this test, we will also carry out a non-HDL cholesterol check. This essentially includes all harmful cholesterol in your blood sample and is considered a primary indicator and risk assessment tool for cardiovascular health. Non-HDL levels should generally be below 4mmol/L. HDL and LDL levels can then be monitored to evaluate how any implementation of diet and lifestyle changes impacts your individual cholesterol levels, helping you to optimise your lifestyle based on your biomarkers.

Your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a blood test that measures how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. A normal eGFR is greater than or equal to 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. An eGFR of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 may be a sign of kidney damage. If you have a low eGFR, your doctor will likely order additional tests to determine the cause. These may include a urine tests, imaging tests, or blood tests. Treatment for a low eGFR depends on the underlying cause. If your kidneys are damaged, treatment may involve dialysis or a kidney transplant. Your eGFR is calculated using your creatinine level, age, race, and gender. Your doctor can use your eGFR to estimate how well your kidneys are working and to check for kidney damage. If you have a low eGFR, it's important to see your doctor so that the cause can be determined and treated. Untreated kidney damage can lead to serious health problems, such as end-stage renal disease.

Vitamin D is a vitamin that's essential for many functions in your body, such as bone and muscle health. Vitamin D can be obtained from sun exposure, food, and supplements. If you don't get enough vitamin D, you may develop vitamin D deficiency. This condition can cause fatigue, bone pain, and muscle weakness. A normal vitamin D level is 20 to 50 ng/mL. If you have a low vitamin D level, your doctor may recommend that you take a supplement or get more sun exposure.

Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme that's found in your muscles. CK levels can be checked with a blood test. A normal CK level is 10 to 200 IU/L. If your CK level is high, it may be a sign of muscle damage. Treatment for a high CK level depends on the underlying cause. If your CK level is high due to exercise, you may need to rest and avoid strenuous activity. If your CK level is high due to a medical condition, such as muscular dystrophy, treatment will focus on the underlying condition.