Statin Follow Up Blood Test

Total cholesterol is the measure of all the cholesterol in your bloodstream. Cholesterol is naturally formed in the liver and aids in the function of food digestion enzymes, vitamin D as well as hormones and substances needed for healthy cell function. Moderate levels of cholesterol in your bloodstream are needed for healthy body function, however, an excess of HDL and LDL cholesterol may lead to a risk of heart disease or stroke. The total cholesterol check will measure the amount of lipoproteins in the blood that carries the cholesterol around the body. 

A total protein test measures the levels of all the proteins in your blood. The two proteins albumin and globulin have many important functions in the body and are primarily responsible for fighting infection, carrying nutrients and ensuring proper transport within blood vessels. The normal protein level in the blood is between 6 to 8g/dL. If you have low levels of total proteins in the blood it could be an indication of liver damage or malnutrition.

A globulin test may be able to identify a liver infection. The globulin levels within the blood can be checked through a blood test with the normal result ranging between 2.3 to 4.5 g/dL. The globulin is a group of proteins produced in the liver that are responsible for fighting off infections, healthy liver function, blood clotting and metal transportation. The resulting treatment for high globulin levels are based on the underlying cause. If an infection has caused a high globulin count then the treatment will focus on the infection. If inflammation has occurred, a medication or lifestyle change may be required.

Found mostly in the liver and bones, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a blood enzyme that breaks down proteins. The ALP is tested to determine if there are high ALP levels which may be a sign of liver, gallbladder or bone disease. If there are low levels of ALP detected in the blood, it may be due to malnutrition or protein deficiency, possible due to celiac disease. The results of an ALP test will vary depending on your age, blood type, sex and if you are pregnant.

When red blood cells breakdown it produced a brownish-yellow pigment called Bilirubin. A build-up of bilirubin within the bloodstream may be the cause of jaundice or liver disease. 

Triglycerides are a type of fat carried in the bloodstream that are an essential part of the healthy functioning of the body. Triglycerides are the excess fat stores left after eating and are stored for later use as energy. Cardiovascular issues can be linked to elevated levels of triglycerides so it is important to monitor the levels of triglycerides when also checking cholesterol levels.

HDL % of total refers to the percentage of HDL or 'good' cholesterol within the blood compared to the rest of the cholesterol in the blood.