Palpitation blood test update

[Purplegloss]

As I put in my last communication, I now have the results of my blood tests, and need a bit of help with interpretation. My CRP is up to 35, which is way too high for me, as my normal is about 10-12. So I guess 2.5mg will need to be increased. My ESR wasn't done this time, but was 10 on the 20th November, so just a bit raised as well.

Now, for the rest of it with three abnormal, see you GP!!

Bone Profile-Abnormal.

Plasma alburnin 34g/l (35-50) below low reference limit alkaline phosphatase level 80 u/l (30-130)

Calcium level 2.37 mmoi/l adjusted calcium concentration 2.45 mmoi/l (2.2-2.6) inorganic phosphate 0.96 (0.8-1.5) Think this is all about my liver!

Renal result-Abnormal.

Sodium 137mmoi/l (133.0-146.0)

Potassium 4.2 mmoi/l (3.5-5.3)

Urea level 5.8 mmoi/l (2.5-7.8)

Creatine level 61 umoi/l (45-84.0)

GFR using creatine (CKD-EPI) per 1.73 square meteres 82 ml/min/1.73m*2. This result does not indicate CKD unless there is a laboratory or clinical evidence of renal disease.

Lipids-Abnormal.

Total cholesterol level 6.1 mmoi/l HDL ch. level 1.94 mmoi/l (0.85-2.38) Serum non high density lipoprotein ch.level 4.2 mmoi/l cl/hdl ratio 3.1. Triglyceride level 1.3mmoi/l (2.26) ch level 3.6mmoi/l

I have an ECG booked for 21/1 and see GP on 28/1

With my non-medical eye the results don't look too bad to me, but happy to have input from those with more knowledge than me. Thanks everyone.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Trying to work out what is abnormal about the renal results, The only out of range I can see is the plasma albumin and that is so near to normal I doubt any doctor would worry. The computer does it automatically - even 0.1 outside range is abnormal when sense says it probably isn't.

The cholesterol is probably high - not difficult with the limits they quote these days!!!

You'll have to ask the GP - but that CRP isn't nice ...

[Purplegloss in reply to PMRpro]

I guess me getting gout in October threw my CRP upwards. I took 30mg of Pred for 5 days, and then dropped back to 2.5mg. My swollen fingers went down, although they were still stiff in the mornings, and gradually became painful again, although no swelling this time. As I won't be seeing my GP until 21st January I think I should go up on my Pred by 5mg to 7.5mg for two weeks and then drop back again to 3mg. Does that sound about right to you? Two other checks I had were for Vitamin D and B12, both were satisfactory. I take 2200 iu Vitamin D. I did take 4000 iu but this came back on a previous blood test as abnormal, and too high, so I dropped to 2200iu. I also take K2. There doesn't seem to be anything on any of my blood tests to warrant palpitations at all as far as I can see. Perhaps mine are the sort you don't need to worry about, who knows!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Purplegloss]

Indeed - I forgot the gout!

You can't say palpitations are nothing to worry about until they have been diagnosed as to cause. The palpitations themselves may not be a problem - it is what they can do that is. Clots form in the base of the ventricles and during episodes of what we call palpitations they are disturbed from their resting places and can be sent off on a tour of the vascular system. If big enough, they may be caught in the miscrovasculature - very small blood vessels or capillaries - and cause a blockage. That may be in the brain (stroke), heart (MI or heart attack) or lungs (pulmonary embolism) - and you don't need me to tell you they are all potentially fatal. That is why the most important medication for an arrythmia is anticoagulation.

And an ECG doesn't always tell the full story if the palpitations don't happen while you are hooked up - so don't believe a GP who tries to claim that on the basis of a brief ECG! It is a picture - you need to see the extended film!!

[Purplegloss in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, I realise that an ECG is just a picture of that particular moment, and for a palpitation to take place whilst it is being carried out is pretty unlikely. He did mention wearing a monitor, but was talking about 24hr, so I would probably ask for one that lasts a few days in the better chance of getting a result. Should I go to 7.5mg Pred for two weeks do you think?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Purplegloss]

I'd probably try it - if you feel better, great, if you don't, nothing lost.

YOU realise it - does the GP though!!!!!

[Purplegloss]

He is a new GP to me, not my usual one, but has been at the practice for many years although still looks as if he is about 30ish-I must be getting old. He does listen though, so that is good.