Health and Lifestyle Test

Alanine Transferase (ALT) is an enzyme primarily found in the liver. Elevated ALT levels can indicate liver damage or disease. When the liver is injured or inflamed, ALT is released into the bloodstream, making it a key marker for assessing liver health. High ALT levels are commonly associated with liver conditions such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. Monitoring ALT levels can help detect liver issues early, enabling prompt treatment and management.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in the liver. ALP levels increase when there is liver damage or disease. A high ALP level can be a sign of liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.

HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein, commonly known as the ‘good cholesterol.’ It plays a crucial role in removing excess cholesterol from your body, helping to protect your heart and blood vessels. HDL is beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant properties, and its ability to transport excess fat to the liver for processing. Maintaining optimal HDL levels is essential for overall cardiovascular health. The Welzo HDL test measures your HDL levels and provides insights into potential improvements to help boost these levels, promoting better heart health.

Globulin is a type of protein found in the blood, playing a key role in the immune system and in transporting substances throughout the body. Normal globulin levels range from 2.3 to 4.5 g/dL. Elevated globulin levels can be an indication of infection or inflammation in the body. The treatment for high globulin levels depends on the underlying cause: if an infection is present, treatment will target the infection; if inflammation is the cause, medication or lifestyle changes may be recommended. Monitoring globulin levels through a blood test helps identify potential health issues and guide appropriate treatment.

Total protein is a measure of all the proteins in your blood. Total protein levels can be checked with a blood test. A normal total protein level is 6 to 8 g/dL. If your total protein level is low, it may be a sign of malnutrition or liver damage. Treatment for a low total protein level depends on the underlying cause. If your total protein level is low due to malnutrition, your doctor may recommend that you take a supplement or eat a balanced diet. If your total protein level is low due to liver damage, treatment will focus on the underlying liver condition.

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) percentage of total calculates the amount of HDL you have compared to your total cholesterol level. This specific test biomarker assesses your cardiovascular risk by calculating the total amount of ‘good’ vs ‘bad’ and total cholesterol you have in your blood. Doctors and heart disease assessment calculators use this % of the total to evaluate your overall cardiovascular health.

Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism and is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys, then excreted in urine. If kidney function is impaired, creatinine can build up in the blood, which may indicate kidney damage or disease. A normal creatinine level is 0.5 to 1.2 mg/dL for men and 0.4 to 1.1 mg/dL for women. Elevated creatinine levels can be an early warning sign of kidney damage, as damaged kidneys are less effective at filtering creatinine. However, high creatinine levels can also be influenced by factors like strenuous exercise, dehydration, or heart failure. Monitoring creatinine levels is important for assessing kidney health.

Ferritin is a protein that helps store iron in your cells. Iron is a mineral that’s essential for many functions in your body, such as making haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your blood. If you don’t have enough iron, you may develop iron deficiency anaemia. This condition can cause fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath. If you have too much iron, you may have a condition called hemochromatosis. This condition can damage your organs, including your liver, heart, and pancreas.

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in red blood cell production and nerve function. It can be obtained from foods, supplements, and fortified products. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to anemia and nerve damage. The normal range for vitamin B12 levels is typically 200 to 900 ng/mL. If your levels are low, your doctor may suggest taking vitamin B12 supplements or consuming more foods that are rich in or fortified with vitamin B12 to correct the deficiency and prevent health complications.

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. Elevated bilirubin levels can indicate liver damage or disease, as the liver is responsible for processing and removing bilirubin from the blood. High bilirubin levels are often a sign of liver conditions such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. Monitoring bilirubin levels helps assess liver function and detect potential liver problems early.

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is an enzyme found in the liver. Elevated GGT levels can indicate liver damage or disease, as the enzyme is released into the bloodstream when the liver is affected. High GGT levels are commonly associated with liver conditions such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. Monitoring GGT levels is important for detecting liver issues early, allowing for timely intervention and management.

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is often referred to as the “bad” cholesterol because elevated levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, such as heart attack and heart disease. LDL helps transport fat, including triglycerides, in the body. When LDL levels are high, it can lead to fatty deposits in the artery walls, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This buildup narrows the arteries and impedes blood flow, increasing the risk of heart-related complications. Monitoring LDL levels is crucial for maintaining heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Total cholesterol measures the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol). Cholesterol is produced by the liver and plays a vital role in several bodily functions, such as creating vitamin D, producing bile for digestion, and forming the membranes of all your body’s cells. It also helps transport fatty acids through the bloodstream. Total cholesterol levels can serve as a useful indicator of heart health and may highlight potential risks for cardiovascular issues, including heart attack and heart disease. Maintaining balanced cholesterol levels is crucial for reducing the risk of these conditions.

Albumin is a protein found in the blood, playing a key role in maintaining fluid balance and transporting various substances. Normal albumin levels typically range from 3.5 to 5 g/dL. Low albumin levels can indicate underlying health issues such as malnutrition or liver damage. If low levels are due to malnutrition, your doctor may suggest dietary changes or supplements to improve nutrition. If the cause is liver damage, treatment will focus on addressing the liver condition. Monitoring albumin levels through blood tests helps identify potential health problems and guide appropriate treatment.

Triglycerides are a type of blood fat that play an essential role in the body’s energy storage and function. They are the primary way the body stores fat, and they can be used as an energy source when needed. Triglycerides are produced by the liver and are important for overall health. However, elevated triglyceride levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, such as heart disease. Monitoring triglyceride levels is crucial when assessing overall cholesterol health, as high triglycerides can contribute to fatty deposits in the arteries, leading to conditions like atherosclerosis. Maintaining healthy triglyceride levels is key for reducing the risk of heart-related complications.

In this test, we measure HDL, LDL, and non-HDL cholesterol. Non-HDL cholesterol includes all harmful cholesterol types in your blood and is a key indicator of cardiovascular health. Non-HDL levels should generally be below 4 mmol/L. Monitoring these levels helps assess the impact of lifestyle changes, enabling you to optimize your health based on your cholesterol biomarkers.

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is a blood test that measures how effectively your kidneys are filtering waste. A normal eGFR is 60 mL/min/1.73 m² or higher. If your eGFR is below 60, it may indicate kidney damage. In such cases, further tests (urine, imaging, or blood tests) will be ordered to determine the cause. Treatment varies based on the cause and may include dialysis or a kidney transplant for severe cases. Your eGFR is calculated using factors like creatinine level, age, race, and gender, helping doctors assess kidney function and detect damage. If your eGFR is low, it’s essential to consult your doctor to address any underlying issues before serious complications, such as end-stage renal disease, arise.

Vitamin D is essential for various bodily functions, particularly bone and muscle health. It can be sourced from sunlight, food, and supplements. A normal vitamin D level ranges from 20 to 50 ng/mL. Low levels can lead to vitamin D deficiency, which may cause symptoms like fatigue, bone pain, and muscle weakness. If your levels are low, your doctor may recommend vitamin D supplements or increased sun exposure to boost your levels.

Creatine Kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in your muscles, and its levels can be measured with a blood test. A normal CK level is between 10 to 200 IU/L. Elevated CK levels may indicate muscle damage. If high levels are due to exercise, rest and avoiding strenuous activity are recommended. If the increase is related to a medical condition, such as muscular dystrophy, treatment will focus on addressing the underlying issue.