Understanding Abnormal Lab Test Results: HDL, Triglycerides, Hematocrit, Creatinine & BUN

Question
Hi!  My HDL is low (26), Triglycerides High (272), ematocrit is low (33.9), (Chem 7) Serum Creatine is low (0.51) and my Bun/Creat Ratio is elevated (41).   Could you please tell me if I should be woried.  My doctor told me that I should just not worry and allow him to monitor this stuff....  he refused to explain the findings of my results.   I weigh 156 lbs, female, 5'7" or so. Can you explain any of these categories or numbers to me?  Is there something you can recommend I do to fix the bad numbers?  Thanks so much.  -  Joanie

Answer
Hi Joanie.  I'd be glad to try and answer your question.  Were you fasting for 10-12 hours before you had your blood test?  If not, then your numbers won't be accurate.  Your HDL is your good cholesterol, so the higher the number, the better.  Triglycerides are basically fats, so higher is bad.  Serum creatinine and BUN/creatinine ratio measures kidney function, and your numbers are only slightly out of range, so I wouldn't be concerned about those.  But your HDL and triglycerides are abnormal.  To make these numbers better, I would adjust your diet and exercise.  Add more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and reduce fats and sugar in your diet.  Try and exercise (even just a walk around town) 20-30 minutes every day.  Your doctor might want recheck your numbers in a few months or so to make sure you're on the right track.  Good luck!

Samantha