Text|Xu Yu
Editor|Appreciation for both tastes and laymen
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In modern society, health awareness is gradually strengthened, and many people have regular physical examinations to ensure good health.
However, some "abnormal" results in medical examination reports can be alarming, leading them to overtreat certain "diseases."
In fact, these "diseases" do not require special attention or treatment. Here are some common examples.
1. Slight increase in blood pressure
Xiao Wang is a young white-collar worker who recently felt dizzy due to the pressure of work. So, he decided to go to the hospital for a personal examination.
The results showed that his blood pressure was slightly higher, reaching 140/90mmHg. The doctor told him it was mild high blood pressure and advised him to take medication.
But in reality, occasional increases in blood pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, such as diet, mood, physical activity, etc.
If it is not a long-lasting high blood pressure, but short-term, episodic.
Then lifestyle modifications, such as reducing salt intake and exercising more, may be more appropriate than taking medication immediately.
2. Mild fatty liver
During a routine physical examination, an ultrasound may reveal mild fatty liver. Fatty liver is caused by the accumulation of fat within the liver and does not cause serious problems in most cases.
Ms. Li recently had a physical examination and found that she had a mild fatty liver.
She was very worried about the impact on her health, and even considered the hospital for treatment. In fact, mild fatty liver only needs to be done through changes in diet and lifestyle habits.
For example, reducing the intake of alcohol and high-sugar foods and increasing the amount of exercise can be improved. There is no need for over-treatment.
3. Mild thyroid nodules
Thyroid nodules are sac-like or solid nodules that form inside the thyroid gland. Most thyroid nodules are benign and do not cause any symptoms or problems.
Mr. Zhang was told during the physical examination that he had a small thyroid nodule, and he immediately thought about whether he had thyroid cancer and whether he needed surgery.
In practice, however, most small, stable thyroid nodules do not require immediate surgery.
Doctors usually recommend regular monitoring to make sure the nodule is not enlarged or other problems occurring.
4. Slight decrease in bone density
Bone density testing is one way to assess the risk of fractures. When bone density is lower than normal, it may be diagnosed as an increased risk of fractures.
However, this does not mean that you will break bones right away. Ms. Wu, who is nearly 50 years old, found that her bone density was slightly lower during the physical examination, and the doctor recommended that she take drugs to enhance bone density.
But in reality, the reduction in bone density can be improved by increased exercise, a sensible diet, and calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and does not necessarily require medication.
5. Mild hyperglycemia
Many people are told during a physical exam that their blood sugar is slightly higher but do not meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. This condition is called "prediabetes".
For example, Mr. Zhao's blood sugar is 6.5mmol/L, which is higher than the normal range but below the standard for diabetes.
He was very worried and considered whether to start taking hypoglycemic drugs.
But in fact, for mild hyperglycemia, only lifestyle changes, such as reasonable diet, increased exercise, weight control, etc., can effectively control blood sugar and prevent the occurrence of diabetes.
6. Mildly elevated cholesterol
Cholesterol is an essential fatty substance for the body, but too much cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
However, not everyone with elevated cholesterol needs to take medication.
For example, Miss Yang found that LDL cholesterol was slightly higher during the physical examination, but other indicators were normal. Before worrying too much, you should start with your diet and lifestyle.
Increasing dietary fiber, reducing saturated and trans fat intake, and exercising regularly can often be effective in controlling cholesterol levels.
7. Weight in the critical zone
Obesity is indeed a risk factor for many chronic diseases, but if your BMI (body mass index) is in the critical zone of 24-27, it doesn't mean you immediately need a rigorous weight loss program.
Mr. Zhang, who has a BMI of 25.5, is very worried about whether he needs to start a strict diet.
In fact, the key is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly, rather than simply pursuing numbers.
8. Mild ECG abnormalities
An electrocardiogram is a common way to assess heart health, but it can also show some minor abnormalities, which doesn't always mean there's something wrong with the heart.
For example, Ms. Wang's electrocardiogram showed that the T wave was inverted during the physical examination, but she did not feel any discomfort.
In many cases, this slight abnormality may be a normal variation or caused by other non-cardiac causes, such as improper electrode placement.
When treating this situation, it is important to combine the history and other test results, rather than relying on one indicator alone.
9. Mild iron deficiency
Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, but not everyone with slightly lower iron needs an immediate iron supplement.
For example, Miss Lee has slightly lower hemoglobin, but she feels fine and doesn't have any fatigue or other symptoms.
In this case, start with dietary modifications and increase your intake of iron-rich foods, such as red meat, leafy greens, and nuts, rather than choosing medications right away.
Physical health is not just about looking at numbers, but about the state of the whole. A physical examination is a very good preventive measure, but it can only provide a snapshot, not a panorama.
When a slight abnormality is reported on the physical examination, do not panic or decide to start treatment right away.
Instead, discuss it in detail with your doctor to understand the overall situation, consider other relevant factors, and then make an informed decision.
Overtreatment is not always the best option, and sometimes, the best medicine is lifestyle adjustments.
What do you have to say about this? Welcome to leave your opinion in the comment area!