What is the clinical significance of the patient's lab results showing hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and elevated hemoglobin A1c?

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Last updated: May 20, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Your recent lab results from May 14,2025, show that most of your values are within normal range, but there are a few areas that require attention to prevent potential complications and maintain optimal health. Your electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2), kidney function tests (BUN, creatinine, eGFR), liver function tests (alkaline phosphatase, albumin, total protein, AST, ALT, bilirubin), and calcium levels all look good. Your cholesterol profile is also favorable with a total cholesterol of 179, HDL (good cholesterol) of 65, LDL (bad cholesterol) of 90, and a healthy cholesterol/HDL ratio of 2.8. However, your Hemoglobin A1c at 5.8% is slightly elevated, indicating prediabetes, and your triglycerides at 137 are mildly elevated, which may be a marker for cardiovascular disease risk 1. Additionally, your LipoproteinA at 11 is within normal limits, but it's essential to monitor it as elevated levels can increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) 1. To manage these risks, it's recommended that you focus on lifestyle modifications, including increasing physical activity, reducing simple carbohydrates in your diet, and maintaining a healthy weight. We should monitor your Hemoglobin A1c and triglyceride levels over time, but no medications are needed at this point. Overall, these are good results with a few areas to keep an eye on, and with proper management, you can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other complications. It's also important to note that your eGFR of 85 is within normal limits, but we should continue to monitor your kidney function to prevent any potential decline 1. By working together, we can help you maintain optimal health and prevent potential complications.

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From the Research

Lab Results

The patient's lab results from 05/14/25 08:30 are as follows:

  • SODIUM: 140
  • Potassium: 4.3
  • CHLORIDE: 105
  • CO2: 28
  • BUN: 10
  • Creatinine: 0.81
  • BUN/Creatinine Ratio: SEE NOTE
  • eGFR: 85
  • Glucose, Plasma: 97
  • Calcium: 9.6
  • Alkaline Phosphatase: 106
  • Albumin: 4.6
  • A/G Ratio: 1.7
  • Total Protein: 7.3
  • AST: 20
  • ALT: 19
  • Total Bilirubin: 0.5
  • Cholesterol: 179
  • Triglycerides: 137
  • Total HDL-C Direct: 65
  • LDL Calculated: 90
  • Chol/HDL Ratio: 2.8
  • LipoproteinA: 11
  • Non HDL Chol. (LDL+VLDL): 114
  • Globulin, Total: 2.7
  • Hemoglobin A1c: 5.8 (H)

Key Findings

  • The patient's eGFR is 85, which is considered normal 2.
  • The patient's Hemoglobin A1c is 5.8, which is slightly elevated, indicating poor glycemic control 3, 4.
  • The patient's cholesterol levels are elevated, with a total cholesterol of 179 and an LDL of 90 2, 5.

Implications

  • The patient's slightly elevated Hemoglobin A1c level may indicate a need for more intensive glycemic control, especially considering the potential risk of cardiovascular disease 3, 4.
  • The patient's normal eGFR suggests that their kidney function is currently not severely impaired, but it is essential to continue monitoring and controlling risk factors such as blood pressure, lipid levels, and glycemic control to prevent renal progression 2, 6, 5.
  • The patient's elevated cholesterol levels may require lifestyle modifications or medication to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease 2, 5.

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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