Paging the DFW Docs

[Kenny_Stang]

Well last Friday had bloodwork done and the results came in the mail, but haven't been able to talk to the doctor as he is out.

Three things were listed as high:

Potassium, Serum @ 5.3 mmol/L
Calcium, Serum @ 10.3 mg/DL
Bilirubin Total @ 1.7 mg/DL

What does this mean? Any concerns? Did some google searches, but there's too much info out there.

[8mpg]

Potassium is fine
Calcium is fine

Both those level are just a hair elevated. If you potassium gets closer to 6 or higher, then there is more worry and you would need something. Calcium also is just barely elevated..I wouldnt worry about those two labs.

Bili is a bit odd...are you having any stomach pain? You drink a lot?

[Trick Pony]

I'm no doctor but I know calcium and potassium can effect heart function if they get way out of the normal range.

[Kenny_Stang]

main reason i had the bloodwork was due to frequent heart palpitations. EKG and stress test always come back perfect looking for another cause. I do suffer from GERD so that might explain the bilirubin readings.

[8mpg]

I'm no doctor but I know calcium and potassium can effect heart function if they get way out of the normal range.

this is very true...but they are so close its no big deal.
Normal k+ is 3.5-5
Norma Ca is 8.5-10.2

[davbrucas]

I wouldnt too concerned about those numbers. Post up the rest of liver function tests and chemistry panel. Hows your kidney function? What meds do you take? GERD doesnt affect these values.

[davbrucas]

Oh, and your "GERD" could be biliary colic.

[davbrucas]

Forgot to ask...was it the direct or indirect bilirubin that caused the total to be slightly elevated?

[Chili]

Hey Dave,

While you're here.. Have you heard of any negative long term effects from Zocor? i am on the minimum dosage.

I ask because I had heard some of the early cholesterol stuff was somehow linked to Alzheimer’s.

[davbrucas]

Hey Dave,

While you're here.. Have you heard of any negative long term effects from Zocor? i am on the minimum dosage.

I ask because I had heard some of the early cholesterol stuff was somehow linked to Alzheimer’s.

Statins can cause all kinds of adverse effects but the risk is miniscule. The one we worry about is myopathy leady to rhabdomyolysis, but I believe the quote risk with zocor is something like <0.1% or something like that. As far as alzheimers...there is some evidence that zocor helps to prevent alzheimers and not cause it.

[The King]

Statins can cause all kinds of adverse effects but the risk is miniscule. The one we worry about is myopathy leady to rhabdomyolysis, but I believe the quote risk with zocor is something like <0.1% or something like that. As far as alzheimers...there is some evidence that zocor helps to prevent alzheimers and not cause it.

Good because I've been on Lipitor for many years now.

[openroadracer]

i vote that we implement an Ask DR Dave section here.

[Saleen781]

i vote that we implement an Ask DR Dave section here.

This would be good. I vote yes.

[idrivea4banger]

I doubt it. He would be held liable for giving out advice, right??

[Brandon-k]

main reason i had the bloodwork was due to frequent heart palpitations. EKG and stress test always come back perfect looking for another cause. I do suffer from GERD so that might explain the bilirubin readings.

Please please please let me know what you find out about this. I have the exact same thing happening to me. I have had reflux and heart palpitations for years and they can never find anything with the EKG or stress test. Does your heart just all of a sudden start racing? I can sometimes get mine to right itself by taking in a really deep breath and holding it. My girlfriend says it sounds like my heart stops beating for a couple beats and then just beats slow and very hard for a few minutes.