Understand Your Paramedical Exam Results 

LOW RISK

<200 mg/Dl

PERFECT! Your total cholesterol levels are right where they need to be. It's normal to have cholesterol – in fact, it's an imperative part of a healthy body because it's used for producing cell membranes and hormones and serves other needed bodily functions, such as the digestion of dietary fat. But it's important to keep it in check - and you're right on target!

MODERATE RISK

200 - 239 mg/dL

Your total cholesterol levels are elevated and out of the optimal range. It's normal to have cholesterol - in fact, it's an imperative part of a healthy body, but too much cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. Improving your nutrition and exercising regularly are simple lifestyle changes that can drastically improve your total cholesterol values.

HIGH RISK

>240 mg/dL

WARNING Your total cholesterol level is high. High cholesterol levels could put you at risk for

heart disease, so it's important to monitor it on a regular basis starting now. Discuss with your provider immediately to see if any additional testing is required and what treatment options are best for you.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in the walls of cells throughout the body. Your body can make all the cholesterol it needs. When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it can build up on your artery walls, putting you at risk for heart attack and stroke, the two leading causes of death in the United States. There are typically no signs or symptoms of high cholesterol. Total blood cholesterol is a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including HDL "good" cholesterol, LDL "bad" cholesterol, and other lipid components.

• Smoking
• Low HDL "Good" Cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL)
• Family History
• High Blood Pressure (140/90 mm Hg or higher or if on blood pressure medication)
• Nutritional Habits

GET MOVING. Whether it's a walk in the park or you're heading to the gym, doing something and doing it regularly 30 minutes a day is recommended for everyone. If you have a busy schedule, try doing exercises in 10 minutes intervals several times a day.

EAT HEALTHY. Simple changes in your diet can make big changes in your total cholesterol. Saturated fat and cholesterol in the food you eat make your blood cholesterol level rise. Reducing the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet helps lower your total blood cholesterol level. In addition, try to eat more fish, olive oil, fiber, and walnuts.

LOSE WEIGHT. Losing weight can help lower your cholesterol levels, and it is especially important for those with high triglycerides, low HDL levels, and large waist measurements (40 inches or higher for males and 35 inches or higher for females). Losing 5 to 10% of your body weight can help to significantly reduce your cholesterol levels.

LOW RISK

>60 mg/dL

NICE WORK! Your HDL or *good cholesterol level is right where it needs to be. A high level of HDL helps protect against cardiovascular diseases. Keep it up by exercising regularly, watching your weight, quitting smoking, and maintaining a heart-healthy diet.

MODERATE RISK

40 - 59 mg/dL

Your HDL "good" cholesterol level is low and out of optimal range. Low HDL cholesterol levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but you can turn things around! Many lifestyle changes can assist in raising HDL levels, such as aerobic exercise, weight loss, quitting smoking, and improving your diet.

HIGH RISK

<40 mg/dL

WARNING Your HDL "good" cholesterol level is low. Low HDL cholesterol levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but many lifestyle changes can assist in raising HDL levels, such as aerobic exercise, weight loss, quitting smoking, and improving your diet. Discuss with your provider immediately to learn more

HDL, or "high-density lipoprotein," is considered "good" cholesterol because it

helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries. Experts believe HDL acts as a scavenger, carrying LDL

cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is broken down and passed from the body. A healthy level of HDL cholesterol may also protect against heart attack and stroke, while low levels of HDL cholesterol have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease.

• Smoking
• Poor Diet Foods that are high in cholesterol, such as red meat and full-fat dairy products, will increase your total cholesterol. Eating saturated fats found in animal products and trans fats found in some commercially baked cookies and crackers can also increase your total cholesterol level. 
• Obesity Having a body mass and full-fat dairy products will index (BMI) of 30 or greater. increase your total cholesterol
• Large Waist Circumference risk increases for males with animal products and trans fats, a waist circumference of 40 inches or higher, and females with a waist circumference of can also increase your total 35 inches or higher cholesterol level.
• Diabetes High blood sugar can contribute to lower HDL cholesterol.
• Lack of Physical Activity Exercise helps boost your body's HDL "good" cholesterol while lowering your LDL "bad" cholesterol.

DON'T SMOKE. Not smoking can increase your HDL cholesterol by up to 10%.

GET MOVING AND LOSE SOME WEIGHT. Within two months of starting, frequent aerobic exercise can increase HDL cholesterol by about 5%. Your best bet for increasing HDL cholesterol is to exercise briskly for 30 minutes five times a week. Examples of brisk, aerobic exercise include walking, running, cycling, swimming playing basketball, or anything that increases your heart rate.

EAT HEALTHY. Simple changes in your diet can make big changes in your HDL cholesterol. Foods that help increase your HDL cholesterol levels are:

• Whole grains, such as "Old Fashioned" oatmeal, oat bran, and 100% whole-wheat grain products

• Nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, and brazil nuts

• Plant sterols, such as beta-sitosterol and sitostanol (typically found in margarine spreads such as Promise Activ or Benecol)

• Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, fish oil supplements, flaxseeds, and flaxseed oil

**For HOL NA, HDL cannot be calculated when one's triglycerides are > 500 mg/dL, resulting in a "NA" value.

LOW RISK

< 100 mg/dL

FANTASTIC! Your LDL "bad" cholesterol levels are right where they need to be. Your cholesterol levels are an important measure of heart health- and your LDL levels are measured because high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. Keep it up by maintaining a heart-healthy diet and a regular exercise routine.

MODERATE RISK

100 - 159 mg/dL

Your LDL "bad" cholesterol levels are elevated and out of the optimal range. LDL ranges can be affected by the food that you may have consumed within 10 to 12 hours of being screened. Improving your nutrition and exercising are simple lifestyle changes that can drastically improve your LDL cholesterol values. If you do not know why your LDL levels are out of range, discuss with your provider.

HIGH RISK

>160 mg/dL

WARNING Your LDL "bad" cholesterol levels are high. LDL ranges can be affected by the food that you may have consumed within 10 to 12 hours of being screened. Improving your nutrition and exercising are simple lifestyle changes that can drastically improve your LDL cholesterol values. Discuss with your provider immediately to learn more.

LDL, or "low-density lipoprotein, is sometimes called the "bad" cholesterol

because high levels of LDL cholesterol can build up in your arteries, causing heart disease. LDL contributes to plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can clog arteries and make them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, a heart attack or stroke can result.

• Smoking

• Obesity: having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater

• Large Waist Circumference: risk increases for males with a waist circumference of 40 inches or higher and females with a waist circumference of 35 inches or higher. 

• Poor Diet Foods that are high in cholesterol, such as red meat and full-fat dairy products, will increase your total cholesterol. Eating saturated fats, found in animal products and trans fats, found in some commercially baked cookies and crackers can also increase your total cholesterol level. 

• Lack of Physical Activity: Exercise helps boost your body's HDL "good" cholesterol while lowering your LDL "bad" cholesterol. 

• Diabetes: High blood sugar can contribute to higher LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol. 

GET MOVING. Physical activity can help to lower LDL cholesterol. The benefits come even with moderate

exercises, such as brisk walking - so get a pedometer and aim for 10,000 steps a day. If you work at a desk, get up and walk around for five minutes every hour. Some experts recommend seven days a week, but the key is to be consistent.

EAT HEALTHY. Simple changes in your Diet can make BIG changes in your LDL cholesterol. Try to eat more avocados, oatmeal, fish, olive oil, and nuts. In addition, cut back on cholesterol and total fat, especially saturated and trans fats. Trans fats, which are sometimes found in margarine and store-bought cookies - crackers, and cakes, are particularly bad for your cholesterol levels.

LOSE WEIGHT. If you're overweight, shed the extra pounds. Weight loss helps lower LDL cholesterol. Even a small-to-moderate weight loss can make an impact. Clinical experts recommend losing 5 to 10% of your body weight to significantly reduce your cholesterol levels. Just remember that losing weight can lower LDL, but levels will go back up unless you make lasting dietary and lifestyle changes.

**For LDL NA: LDL cannot be calculated when one's triglycerides are > 400 mg/dL or the total cholesterol, HDL or Wriglycerides are outside of the machines ranges, resulting in a "N/A" value. 

LOW RISK

< 150 mg/dL

GREAT! Your triglyceride levels are right where they need to be. Too many triglycerides in the blood may contribute to a hardening of the arteries or a thickening of the artery walls (atherosclerosis), which can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease. Make sure you maintain good nutrition and exercise regularly to stay on track.

MODERATE RISK

150 - 199 mg/dL

Your triglyceride levels are elevated and out of the optimal range. Triglyceride ranges can be affected by the food that you consume within 10 to 12 hours of being screened. Too many triglycerides in the blood may contribute to a hardening of the arteries or thickening of the artery walls (atherosclerosis), which can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.

HIGH RISK

>200 mg/dL

WARNING Your triglyceride levels are high! Triglyceride ranges can be affected by the food that you consume within 10 to 12 hours of being screened. A high triglyceride level may contribute to a hardening of the arteries or a thickening of the artery walls (atherosclerosis), which can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease. To learn more, discuss with your provider immediately.

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. Every the time you eat, your body converts the extra calories it doesn't need into triglycerides, which are then stored in your fat cells and used later for energy. If you regularly eat more calories than you bum, especially the "easy" calories like carbs and fats, it can lead to high triglycerides. High triglycerides are often associated with other conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and strokes, like obesity and metabolic syndrome. In addition, high triglycerides are sometimes a sign of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, low levels of thyroid hormones, and liver or kidney disease.

• Smoking 

• Obesity: Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. 

• Poor Diet Consuming more calories than your body can burn by eating foods high in carbohydrates and fats. 

• Lack of Physical Activity: the less active you are, the more triglycerides may be stored in your body. 

CUT BACK ON THE CALORIES. Remember those extra calories are converted to triglycerides and stored as fat. Reducing your calories will reduce your triglycerides. 

AVOID REFINED FOODS. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar and foods made with white flour, can increase triglycerides. 

CHOOSE HEALTHY FATS. Switch out meats that contain saturated fats for fish high in omega-3 fatty acids and healthier fats found in plants, such as olive, peanut, and canola oils. 

LIMIT THE ALCOHOL YOU DRINK. Alcohol is high in calories and sugar and has a particularly potent effect on triglycerides. Even small amounts of alcohol can raise triglyceride levels, so be careful. 

ELIMINATE TRANS FATS. Trans fat can be found in some fried foods and processed products such as cookies, crackers, and snack cakes. You can tell that a food has trans fat in it if it contains partially hydrogenated oil on the nutritional label. 

EXERCISE REGULARLY. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day of the week. Regular exercise can help lower triglycerides, so take a brisk daily walk, swim laps, or join a gym. If you don't have time to exercise for 30 minutes, try squeezing it in 10 minutes at a time. If you're overweight, losing 5 to 10 pounds can help lower your triglycerides. 

LOW RISK

Fasting: 70 - 99 mg/dL

Non-fasting: <139 mg/dL

NICE! Your glucose or blood sugar level is right where it needs to be. Glucose tests are used to diagnose pre-diabetes, diabetes hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia - all potentially serious diseases that need to be monitored regularly.

MODERATE RISK

Fasting: 100 - 125 mg/dL

Non-fasting: 140 - 200 mg/dL

Your glucose or blood sugar level is out of range. While there are other reasons that you may have borderline high blood sugar, the most common is a condition called pre-diabetes.

Individuals with pre-diabetes are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes and the serious

medical conditions that are associated with diabetes.

HIGH RISK

Fasting: < 70 or > 125 mg/dL

Non-tasting: > 200 mg/dL

WARNING Your glucose or blood sugar level is out of the optimal range. There are many reasons for high blood sugar levels, but they most often occur when the body cannot

make insulin (type 1) or cannot respond appropriately (type 2). Discuss with your provider immediately to learn more.

Glucose, which comes from carbohydrates in our diet, is the fuel that powers every cell in your body. Normally, your glucose levels increase after you eat. This increase causes

your pancreas releases insulin (a hormone that helps your body use glucose as an energy source) to keep your glucose levels from getting too high.

There are many factors that can change your glucose levels, so it's important to recognize dips and spikes in order to manage them. When your levels go up, you might experience fatigue, increased thirst, blurry vision, or frequent urination. Levels that remain high over time can damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels. This is most common with diabetes, where there's a problem with the cell using insulin, a problem with the pancreas producing insulin, or both. When your levels go down, you might experience dizziness, irritability, sweating, weakness, and lack of coordination. These symptoms can be caused by irregular meal schedules, being more active than usual, or taking medicine that doesn't regulate your diabetes at the time.

• Family History of Diabetes
• Obesity Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater.
• Lack of Exercise: Exercise can boost your body's natural insulin activity. 
• Poor Diet Consuming foods and drinks that contain high amounts of refined sugar such as sodas and juices. 

GO NUTS. Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios contain healthy fats that slow the body's absorption of sugar.

VEG OUT. Eating non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, cucumbers, and carrots can help prevent surges in blood sugar levels while providing essential nutrients.

DON'T SKIP MEALS. It's important to spread out your daily food intake, starting with breakfast. Consuming more food in just one or two meals a day causes greater fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

DON'T DRINK ON AN EMPTY STOMACH. If you haven't eaten, drinking alcohol can cause your blood sugar to drop, even up to 24 hours after ingestion.

EAT WHOLE GRAINS. Oat bran, barley, and rye are fiber-rich foods that contain beta-glucan. This soluble fiber decreases the rate of digestion and prevents spikes in blood sugar.

PLAN AHEAD. Anticipate the unexpected by carrying healthy snacks that can prevent your blood sugar level from dropping too low.

LOW RISK

< 120 and < 80

sys/dia mm Hg

PERFECT! Your blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg - within the range of a healthy reading.

Blood pressure refers to the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. It is one of the principal vital signs, which means that if something is wrong with your

heart, this is where you'll find the first indications of a problem -so stay on top of it!

MODERATE RISK

120 - 139 or 80 - 89

sys/dia mm Hg

Your blood pressure reading puts you into a prehypertensive range. A single reading doesn't

mean you have high blood pressure, but it is a sign that further observation is required.

Check it frequently in the morning (when results are more accurate) to see if it remains

elevated. If the results continue to remain high, discuss them with your provider immediately.

HIGH RISK

>140 or > 90

sys/dia mm Hg

WARNING Your blood pressure reading puts you into a hypertensive range. High blood pressure is a primary risk factor for heart disease and stroke. A single reading doesn't mean you have high blood pressure, but it is a sign that further observation is required. Check it frequently in the morning to see if it remains elevated. If the results remain high, discuss them with your provider immediately.

Blood pressure is written as two numbers, such as 112 over 78. The top number, systolic, is the pressure when the heartbeats. The bottom number, diastolic, is the pressure when the heart rests between beats. Normal blood pressure is below 120 and 80. If you're an adult and your systolic pressure is 120 to 139, or your diastolic pressure is 80 to 89 (or both). you have "prehypertension". High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is a pressure of 140 systolic or higher and/or 90 diastolic or higher and that stays high over time.

The tricky thing about high blood pressure is that it usually has no signs or symptoms which is why it is so dangerous. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to get it checked regularly. About 76 million Americans over the age of 20 have it, and many don't even know they have it. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, angina, heart failure, kidney failure, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

• Smoking 
• Poor Diet. Eating processed foods that are high in sodium, like chips and lunch mears, can be contributing factors.
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption
• Lack of Physical Activity. Exercise can help lower your systolic blood pressure. 
• Obesity. Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. 
• Diabetes. Those who have diabetes frequently have high blood pressure.

GET ACTIVE. Exercise is key to the management of hypertension. 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day of the week can boost heart health.

LOWER STRESS. Keeping stress under control with regular relaxation has been found to help lower high blood pressure. Allow yourself some time each day to unwind and enjoy life.

CUT OUT TOBACCO AND REDUCE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION. Tobacco use and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can contribute to high blood pressure.

LOSE WEIGHT. Obesity and being overweight is major contributors to high blood pressure. Set a goal and try to keep your body mass index, or BMI, between 18 and 24.9.

CHANGE YOUR DIET. Studies have found that a diet low in sodium has a big benefit when it comes to lowering hypertension. Cutting back on high-sodium foods is recommended for people with high blood pressure. Instead, fill up on whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables to help lower high blood pressure.

Blood urea nitrogen is a medical test that measures the amount or urea nitrogen found in the blood. The liver produces urea in the urea cycle as a waste product of the digestion of protein. Normal range for an adult is 6 to 20mg of urea nitrogen. Generally, a high BUN level means that the kidneys aren’t working well. Other common causes of elevated BUN are dehydration, congestive heart failure or recent heart attack.

Creatinine is a chemical made by the body and is used to supply energy mainly to muscles. Creatinine is removed from the body entirely by the kidneys. This test is run to see how well the kidneys are working. Dehydration can also raise creatinine levels.

Uric acid is a was te product that your body normally gets rid of through urine and s tool. Caus es of elevated uric acid include: diuretics , drinking too much alcohol, too much s oda cons umption and eating foods that contain fructose (a type of sugar).

Bilirubin is a yellowis h pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down. It is a was te product that is eventually excreted from the body 1. Bilirubin levels in the blood can be meas ured using a bilirubin test, which is used to diagnose and monitor liver and bile duct diseases such as cirrhos is, hepatitis, and galls tones 2. It can also help determine if you have s ickle cell dis ease or other conditions that cause hemolytic anemia 2.The tes t meas ures the levels of bilirubin in your blood, which may indicate different types of liver or bile duct problems 1. Higher than usual levels of bilirubin may also be caused by an increased rate of destruction of red blood cells 

An enzyme that is normally pres ent in liver and heart cells . SGPT is released into the blood when the liver or heart is damaged. The blood SGPT levels are thus elevated with liver damage (for example, from viral hepatitis ) or with an insult to the heart.

GGT is an enzyme found in high levels in the liver, kidney, pancreas , heart and brain. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tis sues. An enzyme is a protein that caus es a specific chemical change in the body. The tes t is us ed to detect dis ease of the liver or bile ducts.

ALP is an enzyme present in many parts of the body, but it is primarily found in the bones, intestines and kidneys. ALP testing measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. Abnormal ALP can be caused by liver or bone conditions and other types of health problems. 

The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test looks for signs of damage to the body’s tissues. LDH is an enzyme found in almost every cell of your body, including your blood, muscles, brain, kidneys, and pancreas. The enzyme turns sugar into energy. The LDH test measures the amount of LDH in your blood or other body fluid. When cells are damaged or destroyed, this enzyme is released into the fluid portion of blood. Doctors call this “serum” or “plasma.” LDH can also be released into other body fluid, including cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds your brain and spinal cord. Elevated levels can indicate compromised liver, lungs, kidneys, heart, pancreas, brain and spinal cord as well as anemia.

This test measures the protein in the blood. If the test is low, it may indicate liver or kidney problems. If it is elevated, it can indicate dehydration or certain types of cancer, such as multiple myeloma, that causes protein to accumulate abnormally.

A simple blood test that measures the average blood sugar levels over three months. This test is commonly used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes.

A type of fat, called lipid, that circulates in the blood. Most commonly found in oils, red meat, margarine, shortening, fast food and processed foods. Stress can also affect triglyceride levels. The pancreas is affected by elevated levels. Increased levels also increase an individual’s risk of heart attack and storke.

VLDLare made up of cholesterol, triglycerides and proteins. They move cholesterol, triglycerides and other lipids around the body. VLDL is one of the three main types of lipoproteins. VLDL contains the highest amount of triglycerides. When levels are high, the development of plaque deposits on the artery walls.