SPECIAL TO OUR HEALTH

Blood work is a standard part of an annual primary care wellness visit because it gives a global picture of your health . The lab results help your provider check for certain diseases and conditions , see indicators of your heart and organ functioning and track how medications are working .

Dr . Jordan Kim , family medicine physician with Northwest Medical Plaza at Pinnacle , says annual blood tests are important for the long-term health and wellbeing of their patients , even when they seem to be in good health .

“ By having your annual bloodwork evaluated , it gives your doctor a way to measure the naturally occurring chemicals in your blood so we can screen for anything out of the ordinary that may signal an underlying disorder which may not show any other signs or symptoms ,” Dr . Kim said . “ Over time , as we track your results , we ’ re able to see if there ’ s a trend in your numbers and if they ’ re going in the right direction or not . For example , if we see signs of a condition like high cholesterol or diabetes , we ’ re better prepared to treat it sooner , before it become a bigger issue later on .”

A basic metabolic blood panel measures the amounts of eight substances in the blood and a comprehensive metabolic panel adds six more measures . The lab results give indications of the function and health of your organs , including liver and kidney , blood sugar levels , acid and base balance , fluid and electrolyte balance and nutritional deficiencies .

• Glucose or blood sugar levels when elevated after fasting can be a sign of Type 2 diabetes , and very high levels whether fasting or not usually indicate Type 1 diabetes .

• Calcium is essential in your blood for proper functioning of your nerves , muscles and heart .

• Billirubin levels are an indication of how well your liver is removing the waste product from the breakdown of your red blood cells .

• Total protein in your blood helps build muscle , heal , fight infection and stay healthy .

• Blood urea nitrogen ( BUN ) and creatinine levels indicate how well your kidneys are removing these waste products from the blood .

• Albumin is a protein made by your liver that transports substances through your bloodstream and keeps fluid from leaking out of your blood vessels .

• Sodium , potassium , bicarbonate and chloride are electrolytes in your blood that control nerve and muscle function and maintain the pH balance of your blood and your water balance .

• Three liver enzymes – alkaline phosphatase , alanine transaminase and aspartate amino transferase – are substances that allow certain bodily processes to happen .

A lipoprotein panel measures the levels of cholesterol in your blood . LDL “ bad ” cholesterol is the main source of buildup and blockages in the arteries and HDL “ good ” cholesterol helps decrease cholesterol blockages in the arteries . Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood . If your cholesterol or triglyceride levels are outside the range of normal for your gender , ethnic group and age , you may be at higher risk of heart disease .

Dr . Kim advised , “ Maintaining your best health takes active work and attention as you go

through life . Keeping a schedule of regular checkups and blood work can help identify any shifts in status that may call for lifestyle changes , medication or both to reverse a problem or prevent it from progressing .”

Even if you have never been diagnosed with a chronic illness or experienced a major medical issue , an annual checkup with your doctor supports your current health and the best actions to maintain and improve your health . Family history , lifestyle , age , diet and activity level are all factors that affect your health , and your primary care provider can take that information and their knowledge to help get and keep you on track .

If you are looking for a primary care provider , visit www . nwphysicians . com to find one near you .

Northwest Physicians , an affiliate of Northwest Health , includes a team of skilled and compassionate physicians , advanced practice providers and support staff from a variety of specialties dedicated to a common purpose — to provide patients with expert medical care that is easy to access . With more than 25 locations throughout Northwest Arkansas , telemedicine visits and online scheduling with many providers , it ’ s easier than ever to connect with a Northwest physician . Extended hours and online check-in are provided at the organization ’ s urgent care center .