5 Blood markers that you should understand and monitor

By Ben Assaf
When it comes to maintaining good health, monitoring certain blood markers can be an important tool. These markers can give you a better understanding of your overall health and help you identify potential problems early on. Here are five common blood markers that everyone should know and monitor:
- Haemoglobin: Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Low haemoglobin levels can indicate anaemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. Monitoring haemoglobin levels can help identify anaemia early on and prevent it from becoming more severe.
- Glucose: Glucose is a type of sugar that is the body’s main source of energy. High glucose levels can indicate diabetes or prediabetes, which can increase the risk of serious health problems. Monitoring glucose levels can help you manage diabetes and prevent complications.
- Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a type of fat that can build up in the blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease. High cholesterol levels can be caused by factors such as diet and genetics, and monitoring cholesterol levels can help you identify and manage high cholesterol.
- White blood cell count: White blood cells are an important part of the immune system, and they help the body fight off infection. A high white blood cell count can indicate an infection or other condition that is causing inflammation in the body, while a low white blood cell count can indicate a weakened immune system.
- Kidney markers: The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste products from the blood, and monitoring kidney markers such as creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) can help identify early signs of kidney disease.
It’s important to note that these markers should be part of a comprehensive health check-up and should be interpreted with other factors such as medical history, symptoms and other lab test. It’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concern or questions.
Regularly monitoring these blood markers can help you stay on top of your health and make any necessary changes to improve your overall well-being. It’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor to determine which markers are most important for you to monitor and how often you should have them checked.