“What is that thing on your shoulder?” has been the question I’ve been asked most frequently for the last month. Understandably so. For the last 30 days, just barely peeking out from under the sleeve ...

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a liver enzyme, and high levels can indicate liver damage. Dietary and lifestyle steps to lower ALT levels may help the liver recover. This article looks at what ALT ...

Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in a person‘s blood. A typical hematocrit range in adults is 36–54%. However, age, sex, and health conditions can influence hematocrit levels. Low red ...

Becky Brown is a professional writer whose mission it is to empower readers. She tells stories that help people make smart, informed decisions about their health and lives. She’s covered everything ...

The effects of stress vary from person to person. Sodium, an essential nutrient, helps your body function by maintaining blood pressure and fluid levels, as well as supporting your muscles and nerves.

A sodium blood test will tell you if your blood sodium levels are normal. Blood sodium levels actually have little to do with how much sodium you consume and are tightly regulated by your body's ...

Cholesterol is measured with a simple blood test called a lipid panel or lipid profile. Lipids are fats and fatty substances, which include cholesterol, that you carry in your bloodstream to be used ...

Detecting high ammonia levels in your blood can help doctors diagnose and treat liver disease before it progresses and becomes life threatening. Ammonia is a substance made of hydrogen and nitrogen.