Blood tests

[Sinky67]

Hi, I'm just a year from having a triple bypass, I have not seen anyone medically for at least 10 months, so to my surprise I received a letter, to go and get my blood checked for salt levels, is this normal

Thanks

[Lestanding]

Yes it's to check for the the effect of medications over the last year

[Fredders]

Yes, I have to have blood tests and a chat with my GP every year for a drug review. I have had two AVR ops and a splenectomy so on a cocktail of drugs. Nothing to worry about.

Wendy

[Chappychap]

Totally normal and nothing to worry about.

The blood test cover a bit more than salt, they'll look at lipids (ie fat/cholesterol) and one of the most important measures is H1aBc which monitors glucose responses over the previous weeks, it gives an objective measure for any trend towards insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, for many people with heart disease that's one of the most important metrics of all.

In normal, non Covid times, you'd also have an interview with your GP or the practise nurse, get weighed and have your blood pressure taken, plus maybe also a basic ECG. How you GP surgery handles this during the current situation seems to vary, but hopefully there will at least be a telephone discussion.

Good luck!

[Sinky67]

Thanks Guys

[Createapainlessday61]

Salt level are usually checked when you are dehydrated and or feeling lightheaded, increasing salt will help these conditions a lot, they even sell salt tablets

[Pollypuss]

I requested one about 3 months ago for cholesterol and saw the nurse and they did the whole check up blood test post triple bypass