What does blood pressure mean? Definition and Physiology Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by blood against the walls of arteries as it circulates throughout the body. It’s a vital sign that reflects the pressure in the arterial system. The cardiac cycle consists of systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation). During systole, the heart contracts, […]
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What are normal liver function tests (LFTs)? What are liver function tests? Liver function tests (also called LFTs, or liver enzymes) are blood tests that can provide information about how your liver is working. Your liver is a large organ in your abdomen (tummy). It is the factory of the body (the kidneys are the […]
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A normal CRP (C-reactive protein) level A normal level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood in the UK is less than 5 mg/L. What is CRP? CRP is a protein made by the liver that indicates inflammation CRP levels rise within hours of tissue injury, infection, or inflammation CRP levels can be used to […]
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Why are blood tests done – and how can I book one? A blood test is a lab analysis of things that may be found in your blood. You may have blood tests to make a diagnosis, or keep track of how well your doctor (and you) are managing a condition, such as diabetes or […]
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What is a normal PSA level? Prostate cancer is the most important cause of a high prostate specific antigen (PSA). This is why the blood test is done. But there are many other causes. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. So. What is a normal PSA level? Prostate specific antigen (PSA; men […]
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10 causes of a high PSA level Prostate cancer is the most important cause if a high prostate specific antigen (PSA). This is why the blood test is done. But there are many other causes, as outlined below. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. What is a normal PSA level? Prostate specific […]
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5 stages of CKD Below are the 5 stages in the CKD classification. The CKD stage describes the severity of the chronic kidney disease – the higher the grade (stage), the worse the kidney function. The 5 stages are based on something called ‘GFR’ (glomerular filtration rate). Normal GFR is 90-120 mls/min. GFR is a […]
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What are normal U&E levels? What are U&Es? They are a common group of blood tests that assess: Mineral (electrolyte) levels Kidney function – including GFR and CKD stage Acid-alkali balance. Normal U&E values Sodium (Na) = 135-145 mmol/L. A sodium <125 or >150 requires treatment today. Low or high can affect the function of the […]
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A normal blood cholesterol level Total cholesterol (chol) = 3-5 mmol/L – overall amount of cholesterol in your blood HDL (‘good’) cholesterol. Target level = >1 mmol/L – may make you less likely to have a heart attack or stroke Non-HDL/LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol. Target level = <4 mmol/L – may make you less likely to […]
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What are normal blood glucose and HbA1c levels? What is a normal blood glucose? Normal blood glucose = 4-6 mmol/L – and less than 8 mmol/L, two hours after a meal. Blood glucose in prediabetes and diabetes Prediabetes is diagnosed if your random blood glucose = 7-11 mmol/L Diabetes is diagnosed if you have a […]
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