Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does A PSA Level Of 1.08 Indicate?
Question: Greetings. I have had to a blood/urine test for renewing life insurance. It has both good news and bad news. The bad news is my BMI, and the good news is my (attached) blood work overall. However, I am interested to know if there is any significance to the fact that the PSA shows 1.08 (which is still fine) compared to last year at .94. Does this slight increase mean anything within one year? Historically my numbers were always at .94 or below. Second, is there any concern for a normal number of PROBNP of 105? Online it seems that men should have numbers under 100, with the upper limit of 125. What does 105 suggest even as a normal number? This was the first time I had a PROBNP test. Even my primary physician never checked it before. Finally, if you have any other comments about my blood test report it would be appreciated! I figure that some of my numbers are thanks to taking supplements. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
PSA
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
You are concerned about your PSA increasing from .94 to 1.08. You do not need to be concerned because this is not statistically an increase in your number. The lab variance and different labs may have slight changes in your numbers. You have nothing here to be concerned about.
The Pro-BNP is a test for congestive heart failure. Your numbers are still within the normal range therefore no concern for heart failure. Despite the number in the high range of normal that is still normal and does not indicate any heart disease.
Overall your blood work is good the only thing I see is a higher HgbA1c. This maybe the start of early diabetes. Since you mention your BMI is elevated this may make you at risk for diabetes. I strongly urge that you watch your diet, exercise regularly and loss weight.
I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
PSA
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
You are concerned about your PSA increasing from .94 to 1.08. You do not need to be concerned because this is not statistically an increase in your number. The lab variance and different labs may have slight changes in your numbers. You have nothing here to be concerned about.
The Pro-BNP is a test for congestive heart failure. Your numbers are still within the normal range therefore no concern for heart failure. Despite the number in the high range of normal that is still normal and does not indicate any heart disease.
Overall your blood work is good the only thing I see is a higher HgbA1c. This maybe the start of early diabetes. Since you mention your BMI is elevated this may make you at risk for diabetes. I strongly urge that you watch your diet, exercise regularly and loss weight.
I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you, Dr. Schubert. My basic concern on the PROBNP was whether that number of 105 is considered normal for my age and whether it will creeping up to a risky > 125 year by year.
Does PROBNP just "creep up" over the years?
And yes, unfortunately I would have to lose a good 75 pounds, which has affected my life insurance possibilities and many other things in life. Last year my A1C was 6.5, and lower 6.3 is the number I have had historically over the last number of years.
Hello, again. Regarding my last follow up question regarding whether PROBNP 'creeps up" over the years. I think I got confused. Was your last reply the answer on that point in saying it is a poor tool generally for monitoring heart health? Thanks.
Does PROBNP just "creep up" over the years?
And yes, unfortunately I would have to lose a good 75 pounds, which has affected my life insurance possibilities and many other things in life. Last year my A1C was 6.5, and lower 6.3 is the number I have had historically over the last number of years.
Hello, again. Regarding my last follow up question regarding whether PROBNP 'creeps up" over the years. I think I got confused. Was your last reply the answer on that point in saying it is a poor tool generally for monitoring heart health? Thanks.
Brief Answer:
PRO-BNP
Detailed Answer:
The PRO-BNP is still in the normal limits for your age and does not show that you have any heart disease or heart failure at this time. The PRO-BNP is not really a good screening tool for heart failure. It is best used to monitor a persons congestive heart failure. If a person had congestive heart failure their BNP will elevate. then after therapy we can monitor the response to therapy. Again BNP is not really a good screening tool and why your insurance company did this test is really not good science
Brief Answer:
BNP
Detailed Answer:
Yes BNP is a tool for monitoring congestive heart failure and even then it is not used for screening but for general monitoring of CHF only. Since you do not have heart failure this test is really meaningless.
PRO-BNP
Detailed Answer:
The PRO-BNP is still in the normal limits for your age and does not show that you have any heart disease or heart failure at this time. The PRO-BNP is not really a good screening tool for heart failure. It is best used to monitor a persons congestive heart failure. If a person had congestive heart failure their BNP will elevate. then after therapy we can monitor the response to therapy. Again BNP is not really a good screening tool and why your insurance company did this test is really not good science
Brief Answer:
BNP
Detailed Answer:
Yes BNP is a tool for monitoring congestive heart failure and even then it is not used for screening but for general monitoring of CHF only. Since you do not have heart failure this test is really meaningless.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
