what are you looking for when getting blood work
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When getting blood work, there are various factors that you might want to monitor, as described by :
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Hormones: Blood work, especially hormone panels, can provide information on your current health status and inform decisions related to health and vitality. Testosterone is a commonly discussed marker in this context, along with sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). 1
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Lipids: Tracking lipid levels is crucial as they are important factors that impact both immediate and long-term health. Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), particularly, is a key marker of cardiovascular health. 2
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Metabolic factors: These include glucose levels, inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), and others that structure the foundation of overall health. 3
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Biomarkers: They provide insight into the potential risk for atherosclerotic diseases and dementia, but have limitations in predicting the risk for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. 4
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Longevity indicators: Tests like Inside Tracker's "inner age" test can compare your chronological age to your biological age, giving a sense of your lifespan or predicted lifespan. 5
suggests the importance of DNA tests as well, which can provide additional insights into one's current health status and how certain lifestyle factors may interact with one's genetic predispositions. 6
Moreover, availability and frequency of blood work can vary. While it's recommended to get blood work done twice a year, starting as early as possible is beneficial to establish a health baseline and track changes over time. 1 If specific concerns need to be addressed, or for personalised health optimisation, one might seek blood work more frequently and consider a consultation with a healthcare professional for thorough interpretation and guidance.
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