CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Measuring CRP levels helps detect acute and chronic inflammatory conditions and assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases.​

When Low:

Low CRP levels are normal and indicate the absence of significant inflammation in the body.​

When High:

Elevated CRP levels suggest the presence of inflammation due to infections, autoimmune diseases, or chronic conditions like heart disease. High-sensitivity CRP tests can help evaluate the risk of cardiovascular events. Persistent elevation warrants further investigation to identify and manage the underlying cause. ​

Measures the total amount of vitamin B12 in the blood, including both active and inactive forms.

When Low:

Indicates vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause anemia, fatigue, neurological issues, and memory problems.

When High:

May not always be concerning but can suggest liver disease or supplementation. Needs to be interpreted with active B12 levels.

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your cells and releases it when needed. It reflects the body's iron reserves and is often the first indicator of iron deficiency or overload.

When Low: Indicates depleted iron stores, often seen in iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, and hair loss.

When High: May suggest iron overload (e.g., hemochromatosis), inflammation, liver disease, or chronic illness. High levels in the absence of infection or inflammation should be further evaluated.

Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption, bone health, immune function, and muscle strength. It is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight and is also found in foods like oily fish, fortified cereals, and dairy products. In the UK, limited sunlight exposure, especially during winter months, can lead to widespread vitamin D insufficiency. ​

When Low:

Vitamin D deficiency can result in bone disorders such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, leading to bone pain and muscle weakness. Other symptoms include fatigue, frequent infections, depression, and impaired wound healing.Risk factors for deficiency include limited sun exposure, darker skin tones, obesity, and certain medical conditions affecting absorption.

When High:

Excessive vitamin D levels, often due to over-supplementation, can lead to hypercalcemia, characterized by nausea, vomiting, weakness, and kidney problems. It's important to monitor vitamin D intake and consult healthcare providers before taking high-dose supplements.​

Cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for building cell membranes and producing hormones. It is carried in the blood by lipoproteins, mainly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).​

When Low:

Low cholesterol levels are uncommon but may be associated with malnutrition, liver disease, or certain genetic disorders.Symptoms can include depression, anxiety, and hormonal imbalances.​

When High:

High cholesterol levels, particularly elevated LDL (bad cholesterol), increase the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered good cholesterol and helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.

HDL, often referred to as "good" cholesterol, helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, transporting it to the liver for excretion. Higher levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.​

When Low:

Low HDL levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. While low HDL doesn't typically cause symptoms on its own, it is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis, where arteries become narrowed due to plaque buildup. Regular monitoring and lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity and dietary adjustments, can help raise HDL levels.

When High:

High HDL levels are generally protective against heart disease. However, extremely high levels may be associated with other health issues, and the benefits of very high HDL levels are still being studied.​

LDL, known as "bad" cholesterol, carries cholesterol to tissues, including the arteries. Elevated LDL levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.​

When Low:

Low LDL levels are typically considered beneficial and are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. However, extremely low levels may be linked to certain health issues, though this is less common.​

When High:

High LDL levels are a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Lifestyle changes and medications, such as statins, are often recommended to lower LDL levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.​

Non-HDL cholesterol includes all cholesterol types considered atherogenic (promoting plaque formation), such as LDL and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). It's calculated by subtracting HDL from total cholesterol.​

When Low:

Low non-HDL cholesterol levels are generally favorable and indicate a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.​

When High:

High non-HDL cholesterol levels suggest an increased risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Management includes lifestyle modifications and possibly medications to reduce cholesterol levels.​

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood, used for energy. After eating, the body converts excess calories into triglycerides, storing them in fat cells.​

When Low:

Low triglyceride levels are usually not a concern and may indicate a healthy metabolism. However, extremely low levels can be associated with malnutrition or certain medical conditions.​

When High:

High triglyceride levels can increase the risk of heart disease and pancreatitis. They are often associated with obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption. Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, are key to lowering triglyceride levels.​

HCR is a ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol and is a useful indicator of heart disease risk. A lower ratio is generally better.

When Low:

Indicates a favourable balance of good to total cholesterol and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

When High:

Suggests a higher risk of heart problems, especially if HDL is low and total cholesterol is high.