Hypertension Panel near me in Dehradun

The Serum Electrolytes test determines the concentration of three primary electrolytes in your blood: sodium, potassium, and chloride. These are crucial minerals that are electrically charged and are crucial to numerous body processes. Sodium maintains blood pressure and fluid balance. Potassium aids in proper muscle and nerve function, as well as heartbeat. Chloride acts together with sodium to regulate the body's fluids and aid in digestion. This test allows physicians to test whether your body contains the appropriate level of these electrolytes to have normal function of your heart, muscles, nerves, and organs.

The Cholesterol - Total test measures the total amount of cholesterol (fats) in your blood. Cholesterol is mainly synthesized in the liver and partially in the intestines. It acts as a building block for cell membranes, is a precursor to vital hormones, and helps produce bile acids that help digest fats. Cholesterol is transported through the blood as lipoproteins: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). An optimal amount of these proteins is necessary for proper body functioning.

The Serum Creatinine test measures the creatinine level, a byproduct produced by the wear and tear of muscles during energy production. Since kidneys help filter creatinine, this test helps determine how well your kidneys work. Usually, high levels of creatinine in the blood signal diminished kidney function. At the same time, low levels may indicate decreased muscle mass.

What Do the Results Mean?

Pathological Factors 

Physiological Factors

🧒 Age: Creatinine levels may decrease with age (due to reduction in muscle mass).

🫄 Pregnancy: Slightly lower levels can be seen due to physiological changes in kidney function during pregnancy.

Lifestyle Factors

🥗 Diet: High protein intake may transiently increase creatinine.

🏋️ Exercise: Intense physical activity can temporarily elevate creatinine levels.

💊 Medications: Some medicines, such as NSAIDs, antibiotics, or certain blood pressure medications, may influence kidney function and creatinine levels.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

What Do Normal Serum Creatinine Levels Mean?

Normal serum creatinine levels indicate that the kidneys are functioning properly and effectively filtering waste products from the blood.

What Do High Levels of Serum Creatinine Indicate?

High serum creatinine may indicate impaired kidney function, dehydration, urinary tract obstruction, or other conditions affecting renal health.

What to Do if Your Serum Creatinine Is Higher Than Normal?

If your creatinine level is higher than normal, consult your doctor for proper guidance. They may recommend additional tests, lifestyle adjustments, medication review, or referral to a nephrologist.

What Do Low Levels of Serum Creatinine Indicate?

Low levels are uncommon but may indicate low muscle mass, malnutrition, or liver disease. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.

Can Serum Creatinine Results Be Inaccurate?

Yes, serum creatinine results can sometimes be inaccurate. Factors such as severe muscle loss, certain medications or supplements, and variations or errors in laboratory test methodologies can affect the accuracy of the results.

What Factors Can Affect Serum Creatinine Results?

Though a reliable test, several factors can influence accuracy:

• Muscle mass, age, sex
• Diet, hydration status
• Medications affecting kidney function
• Severe illness or trauma
• Hyperbilirubinemia

What Follow-Up Tests May Be Required?

Depending on your serum creatinine results, your doctor may recommend additional tests to get a clearer picture of kidney health. These can include urine tests, such as urine protein or microalbumin or cystatin C, to detect early kidney damage; an eGFR calculation to estimate kidney filtration efficiency; kidney imaging, like an ultrasound, to check for structural abnormalities; and electrolyte or kidney function panels to assess overall kidney performance and detect any imbalances. Fasting is not recommended for this test, you can eat and drink as per your daily routine.

Table: Tests Commonly Ordered Alongside the Serum Creatinine Test

The Cholesterol - HDL test measures the concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the blood. HDL cholesterol plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health, as it helps transport excess low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from the bloodstream back to the liver for excretion. This process prevents plaque buildup on the blood vessel walls, which can cause them to become narrow and less flexible. Higher HDL cholesterol levels are generally associated with a lower risk of heart problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. By measuring HDL cholesterol levels, your doctor can assess your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and recommend appropriate preventive or treatment strategies, including lifestyle modifications and medications.

The Triglycerides test measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood and helps evaluate your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) that your body uses as a source of energy. When you consume more calories than your body needs, the excess calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells for later use. High triglyceride levels can contribute to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other related conditions. 

The Blood Urea test measures the level of urea in the blood. Urea is a byproduct of protein metabolism. Proteins you consume in your diet are digested and converted into amino acids, which are then utilized by the body. This metabolic process produces a toxic byproduct known as ammonia. Ammonia is then rapidly converted into urea by your liver. Urea is comparatively less toxic than ammonia and is transported to the kidneys via the blood. The kidneys then filter it out through the urine. This process continues and the body keeps producing and eliminating urea, maintaining its low and steady levels in the blood.

The Cholesterol - LDL test measures the concentration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol plays an important role in your body. It carries cholesterol from your liver to other parts of the body where it's needed for things like building cell walls and making hormones. However, it is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because when present in excess in your blood, it can stick to your blood vessel walls leading to the formation of plaque, making them narrow and less flexible. When this happens, it's harder for the blood to flow, which can lead to heart problems, like heart attacks and strokes. By measuring LDL cholesterol levels, your doctor can assess your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and can recommend appropriate preventive or treatment strategies.

The Very Low Density Lipoprotein test measures the concentration of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol in the blood. VLDL cholesterol plays a vital role in the body's metabolic processes. It is produced by the liver and is used to transport triglycerides, a type of fat, from the liver to various tissues throughout the body, where they are either utilized for energy or stored for later use. Though VLDL cholesterol is essential for the body's normal functioning, it is harmful if present in excess amounts. By measuring VLDL cholesterol levels, your doctor can assess your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and recommend appropriate preventive or treatment strategies.

The FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar) test measures the glucose level in the body under overnight fasting conditions. Glucose is the body's energy currency and is broken down through metabolism to produce energy. Hormones and enzymes produced by the liver and pancreas control this process. The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood glucose levels. When these levels are high, such as after a meal, insulin is secreted to transport glucose into cells for energy production. Elevated glucose levels in the body after fasting may indicate a risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes, which can be of two types: type 1, caused by little or no insulin production, and type 2, caused by insulin resistance or decreased insulin production.

What Do the Results Mean?

Pathological Factors 

What Follow-Up Tests May Be Required?

Table: Tests Commonly Ordered Alongside Fasting Blood Sugar Test:

The Non HDL Cholesterol test looks for the “bad” cholesterol particles that are likely to contribute to heart problems. These bad particles include LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and remnants of other cholesterol-carrying molecules. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that circulates in your bloodstream and is essential for various bodily functions. However, too much of “bad” types of cholesterol can build up in your arteries and increase the risk of heart conditions. LDL and VLDL cholesterol particles are often referred to as the "bad" cholesterol because they can stick to the walls of your arteries and form plaque, narrowing the arteries and restricting blood flow to your heart. By measuring non-HDL cholesterol, your doctor can assess your risk of heart disease and determine if any interventions or lifestyle changes are needed to protect your heart.