Everyday Health

Total cholesterol is a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, including both LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. It is an important biomarker for cardiovascular health as high levels of total cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The total cholesterol: HDL ratio is a simple calculation that provides information about the relationship between total cholesterol levels and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels in the blood. High ratios indicate a greater risk of heart disease and stroke, as they suggest that there may be an imbalance between harmful and protective cholesterol in the blood.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is a type of cholesterol that is commonly referred to as the "bad" cholesterol. The primary role of LDL is to transport cholesterol from the liver to the cells that need it. However, when there is too much LDL in the blood, it can build up in the walls of the arteries, forming plaques that can narrow or block the arteries, leading to heart disease and stroke.

Non-HDL cholesterol is a measure of all the cholesterol in the blood except for HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. It includes LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, and other lipoproteins. Non-HDL cholesterol is considered a better predictor of heart disease risk than total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol alone, as it provides a more comprehensive view of all the harmful cholesterol in the blood.

The total cholesterol: HDL ratio is a simple calculation that provides information about the relationship between total cholesterol levels and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels in the blood. High ratios indicate a greater risk of heart disease and stroke, as they suggest that there may be an imbalance between harmful and protective cholesterol in the blood.

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood and are an important biomarker for cardiovascular health. High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease, while low levels are generally considered healthy.

HbA1c measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It is a commonly used test to diagnose and monitor diabetes, as well as to assess the effectiveness of diabetes management strategies. However, HbA1c levels can be affected by other factors such as anemia, liver disease, and chronic kidney disease.

Urate, also known as uric acid, is a waste product that is produced when the body breaks down purines, which are substances found in certain foods and produced by the body. Urate is normally dissolved in the blood and filtered by the kidneys into the urine, but high levels of urate can lead to the formation of urate crystals, which can cause gout and other conditions.

Iron is a mineral that is essential for human health. It plays a crucial role in the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron is also involved in several other important functions in the body, such as immune system function and the regulation of cell growth and differentiation.

Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) measures the amount of iron-binding sites in the blood. It is used to assess the amount of transferrin, a protein that carries iron in the blood, and to help diagnose iron-related disorders. TIBC is often measured along with other iron tests, such as serum iron and ferritin, to provide a complete picture of an individual's iron status.

Transferrin Saturation measures the amount of iron bound to transferrin in the blood relative to the maximum amount of iron that transferrin can bind. Transferrin is a protein in the blood that binds to and transports iron in the body. Transferrin Saturation is used to assess iron metabolism in the body.

eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) assess kidney function. It is calculated using a formula that takes into account factors such as age, sex, race, and creatinine levels in the blood. A lower eGFR can indicate decreased kidney function or kidney disease. It is important to note that eGFR is an estimated value and may not reflect actual kidney function.

Urea is a waste product produced by the liver as a result of protein metabolism. It is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. Elevated urea levels in the blood, known as hyperuremia, can indicate kidney dysfunction or damage, as the kidneys are responsible for removing urea from the blood.

Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism that is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. It is used as a biomarker to assess kidney function, as creatinine levels in the blood are an indicator of how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood.

Total bilirubin measures the level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow-colored pigment that is produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. It is normally present in the blood in small amounts, but when levels are elevated, it can indicate a problem with the liver or the bile ducts.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is a type of enzyme that is present in various tissues in the human body, including the liver, bone, and small intestine. It is often used as a biomarker to evaluate liver function or bone metabolism.

ALT, also known as alanine aminotransferase, is an enzyme found primarily in the liver. It is used as a biomarker to measure liver function and to detect liver damage

GGT (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) is an enzyme found in many organs of the body, but primarily in the liver and kidney. GGT levels can be measured in the blood to assess liver and bile duct function.

CK (Creatine Kinase) is a type of enzyme found in the human body and used as a biomarker to help diagnose and monitor various medical conditions. CK levels can be elevated due to various factors, such as physical activity or medications, elevated levels of CK in the blood can also indicate damage to muscle tissue, which can occur in conditions such as muscle diseases, heart attack, and rhabdomyolysis.

Total protein is a biomarker that measures the amount of protein in the blood. This test measures the total amount of proteins present in the serum, which is the liquid portion of the blood that is left after the blood cells have been removed.

Albumin is a protein that is produced by the liver and is present in the blood. It is one of the most abundant proteins in the body and plays an important role in maintaining the balance of fluids in the body, as well as in the transport of hormones, enzymes, and other substances throughout the body.

Globulin is a class of proteins that are present in blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. There are several different types of globulins, including alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. They play a variety of roles in the body, including transporting hormones and other molecules, fighting infection, and helping to control blood clotting.

TSH, or Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the production and release of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and release thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which play important roles in regulating metabolism, growth, and development