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Can't get hold of a doctor

T

TonyTruthful

Well-Known Member
Messages
91
Hi Guys,

Had a letter from my consultant the other day with some stuff I don’t understand. My GP practice is too busy to speak to me (grrrrrr).

Not sure if I should be concerned with some of my cholesterol levels -

Total Cholesterol 8.3

Trigs 28 (not a typo)

Non HDL 7.2

Sample was described as lipaemic with some haemolysis.

Sodium 134

Left with no alternative but to ask you guys. What’s your thoughts?

Ta

TT
 
They are going to suggest putting you on a statin and maybe talk about diet stuff
 
It's fair to say that that's a relatively high total cholesterol, of which non HDL is also a higher than optimal proportion (i.e. the normal indicators for concern are Triglycerides and LDL, and at the moment your HDL is 1.1 and your combined others are 7.2)

Haemolysis is rupturing or damage to red blood cells.

Given that, as suggested, they are very likely to suggest Statins and reducing saturated fat in your diet.
 
Haemolysis can be caused by incorrect storage of the blood sample between taking it and testing it. It can sometimes result in inaccurate results. I don’t know if this is the case here. If so they might be wanting to repeat it.
 
Had you fasted before the blood draw?
Sounds like you should ask for a repeat test and get the full lipid breakdown after fasting for 12 hours beforehand.
 
If the test is accurate, and not corrupted due to the haemolysis, you should be referred to a lipid clinic according to the NICE recommendations. At the very least you should be re-tested.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg...d-assessing-cardiovascular-disease-cvd-risk-2

1.3.9 Refer for urgent specialist review if a person has a triglyceride concentration of more than 20 mmol/litre that is not a result of excess alcohol or poor glycaemic control. [new 2014]
 
Your cholesterol is high and your triglycerides are very high.There is some useful information here:- https://patient.info/doctor/hyperlipidaemia-pro

It includes these pieces of advice to the GP:-
  • Refer for urgent specialist review if a person has a TG concentration of more than 20 mmol/L that is not a result of excess alcohol or poor glycaemic control.
  • Very severe hypertriglyceridaemia (more than 10 mmol/L) is a risk factor for pancreatitis.
 
Surely your consultant informs your GP of the results at the same time. Your GP will probably get in touch with you.
 
Thanks the replies. I managed to get hold of someone at the surgery who explained it may be a genetic thing but could also have been a spurious test.

They’ve increased my statin mgs and told me not to worry. Do the obvious healthy dietary things and also watch the alcohol intake as this is what elevates the trigs.

Once again, thanks for the replies and information. I’m usually very laid back, but that trig number and “lipaemic” “haemolysis” phrases got me a little concerned.

Peace out guys!

TT
 
TonyTruthful said:
Thanks the replies. I managed to get hold of someone at the surgery who explained it may be a genetic thing but could also have been a spurious test.
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So are they going to repeat the test to eliminate or confirm a corrupted test? I would very certainly be pressing for that. As you also appear to already be on statins, this makes it more important. In my opinion. This is your health. I know I would be very concerned. What have previous levels been like?
 
Bluetit1802 said:
So are they going to repeat the test to eliminate or confirm a corrupted test? I would very certainly be pressing for that. As you also appear to already be on statins, this makes it more important. In my opinion. This is your health. I know I would be very concerned. What have previous levels been like?
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No mate, not being re-tested. I’ve always had high levels (about 5 years now) and I’ve always put off taking statins. But the negatives out way the positives for people with type 1 diabetes. I’ve only just started taking them and tbh I wished I’d started earlier.
 
Dodo said:
Surely your consultant informs your GP of the results at the same time. Your GP will probably get in touch with you.
Click to expand...
Maybe I'm lucky but my medical results and medication are communicated between my GP and hospital.
 
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