Did you get a health check-up? Find out even this through blood tests.

Blood contains important information that indicates an individual's health status. Through blood tests, diseases can be detected early, and it is also possible to diagnose infections, assess nutritional status, evaluate organ function, and determine the effects or side effects of medications. With the help of Professor Yoon Young-sook from the Department of Family Medicine at Ilsan Baek Hospital, we will learn about the importance and functions of blood tests.

A routine blood test analyzes characteristics such as the number, size, and distribution of blood cells. It can provide information about various bone marrow diseases, including anemia, inflammation, and leukemia. Infections such as colds or enteritis may temporarily increase white blood cell counts. Even without physical abnormalities, white blood cell counts may be slightly lower than normal, requiring re-evaluation through follow-up tests.

Lipid tests mainly measure total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) levels. They are important risk factors for arteriosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. An LDL cholesterol level of 130 mg/dL or higher is diagnosed as dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia is a condition in which the levels of lipids in the blood are elevated beyond normal. For accurate results, excessive carbohydrate intake or alcohol consumption should be avoided the day before the test.

If fasting blood glucose is 126 mg/dL or higher, or hemoglobin A1c is 6.5% or higher, diabetes is diagnosed. If fasting blood glucose is between 100 and 125 mg/dL or hemoglobin A1c is between 5.7% and 6.4%, it is considered prediabetes, and there is a high risk of progressing to diabetes, so caution is needed.

Liver function tests are the initial tests used to detect liver abnormalities. The liver is an organ responsible for metabolism, detoxification, breakdown, synthesis, and secretion. During the detoxification process, liver cells are prone to damage, leading to alcohol-related, viral, drug-induced, and toxic liver diseases. Liver diseases are diagnosed not only through liver function tests but also by considering medical history, interviews, physical examination findings, hepatitis virus markers, liver ultrasound, and CT scans. Bilirubin levels increase in severe liver diseases that cause jaundice, but fasting before examination can temporarily raise the levels.

The hepatitis virus marker test can determine whether a person is infected with the hepatitis virus. A significant portion of chronic liver diseases in our country is caused by infection with hepatitis B or C viruses. If the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is positive, it indicates infection with the hepatitis B virus. If the hepatitis C antibody is positive, it indicates infection with the hepatitis C virus, but false positives (results suggesting infection when there is none) are possible, so confirmation through more detailed testing is necessary.

Uric acid levels can also be measured. Uric acid is a metabolic waste product produced when a substance called purine is broken down, and it moves through the blood to the kidneys to be excreted in urine. Uric acid levels can increase due to obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and meat intake, and high levels can lead to gout. When uric acid increases without gout attacks, medication treatment is not necessary. Hyperuricemia increases the risk of kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, so lifestyle management is important.

 

Electrolytes are substances that dissolve in water and carry an electric charge, including all ions present in body fluids. They play an essential role in regulating fluid volume, maintaining acid-base balance, and supporting bodily functions. Typically, electrolyte tests for sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and phosphorus are included in health checkups. Electrolyte imbalances can occur due to various causes such as kidney issues, endocrine disorders, heart diseases, and medications.

 

 

Blood tests measure thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secreted by the pituitary gland. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate body energy metabolism, growth, and development. If the results fall outside the normal range, it can help differentiate thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroiditis.

The kidneys are organs that produce urine and regulate various bodily functions such as body fluid and blood pressure control, waste excretion, hematopoiesis, and metabolic functions. When kidney function declines, excretory ability decreases, leading to elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. Dehydration can also cause temporary increases in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels.

 

Tumor marker tests are examinations that can identify the type, stage, progression, and treatment response of cancer. Tumor markers are substances that are either not found or present in very small amounts in normal cells, but are produced or released excessively by cancer cells, leading to increased concentrations in body fluids. However, it is important to note that tumor marker levels can be normal in some cancers and elevated in the absence of cancer, so it is advisable to perform these tests in conjunction with other cancer screening methods.

Immunoserology tests are used to determine the presence of infections such as syphilis and HIV. They have high sensitivity, which can lead to false positives. Even if the result is positive, it is advisable to confirm through additional consultation.

 

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I recently had a health check-up, but I am very ignorant about it.

The examination was not done properly.

Additionally, I paid the amount in advance even if I had to pay extra.

I must have had a thorough examination, but I regret it.

I think I should have another check-up at the end of the year.