Clear explanations of common health numbers, tests, and medical terms
Health information can be difficult to understand.
You may receive a laboratory result, blood pressure reading, or diagnosis without fully understanding what it means. Medical terms and abbreviations can make the information feel even more confusing.
This page explains common health topics in plain language. The goal is to help you understand the basics and prepare better questions for your healthcare professional.
Choose the topic that best matches your question.
I Want to Understand My Lab Results
Laboratory reports may contain unfamiliar test names, numbers, units, and reference ranges.
This section explains:
- How to read a laboratory report
- What a reference range means
- Why ranges may differ between laboratories
- Why one result may not provide a complete picture
- What can affect certain test results
- Questions to ask your healthcare professional
- Why trends over time may be useful
A result outside the listed reference range does not always mean that you have a health condition. A result inside the range does not guarantee that everything is normal.
Your healthcare professional will consider your results together with your symptoms, health history, physical examination, medications, and other information.
I Want to Understand My Blood Pressure
A blood pressure reading contains two numbers.
This section explains:
- What the top and bottom numbers mean
- How blood pressure is measured
- Why readings may change
- How to prepare for a blood pressure check
- How to check blood pressure at home
- How to record your readings
- Questions to ask your healthcare professional
One reading may not tell the complete story. Your healthcare professional may review several readings and consider your health history before making recommendations.
I Want to Understand Cholesterol
A cholesterol report may include several different numbers.
This section explains:
- Total cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Why cholesterol is measured
- Factors that may affect cholesterol
- Questions to ask about your results
Your healthcare professional can help explain what your numbers mean based on your age, health history, medications, and other risk factors.
I Have Questions About Blood Sugar
Blood sugar tests may be used to screen for, diagnose, or monitor diabetes and other health concerns.
This section explains:
- Blood glucose
- Fasting blood glucose
- Hemoglobin A1C
- Prediabetes
- Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- Why results may vary
- Questions to ask your healthcare professional
Do not diagnose yourself using one number or a result found online. Test interpretation depends on the test, your individual circumstances, and why it was ordered.
I Want to Understand Thyroid Tests
Thyroid laboratory reports may include tests such as TSH and thyroid hormone levels.
This section explains:
- What the thyroid does
- Why thyroid tests may be ordered
- Common thyroid-test names
- What may affect thyroid results
- Why test interpretation can vary
- Questions to ask your healthcare professional
A thyroid result should be interpreted together with your symptoms, medical history, medications, and other test results.
I Want to Understand Common Medical Terms
Medical language can make a simple explanation feel complicated.
This section explains terms such as:
- Acute and chronic
- Diagnosis and prognosis
- Signs and symptoms
- Screening and diagnostic testing
- Risk factor
- Reference range
- Positive and negative test results
- Benign and malignant
- Prescription and over-the-counter
- Preventive care
Understanding these terms can make it easier to follow appointment notes, laboratory reports, and instructions from your healthcare team.
I Have Questions About Preventive Care
Preventive care may include checkups, vaccines, screenings, and counseling intended to identify or reduce certain health risks.
The care you need may depend on your:
- Age
- Sex
- Health history
- Family history
- Pregnancy status
- Medications
- Previous results
- Personal risk factors
Screening recommendations can change. Ask your healthcare professional which services are appropriate for you and how often you may need them.
Start With These Health Guides
How to Read a Laboratory Report
Learn how to find the test name, result, unit of measurement, reference range, and flags on a laboratory report.
What Does a Reference Range Mean?
Learn why laboratories use reference ranges and why a result outside the range does not automatically provide a diagnosis.
What Do Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?
Learn the difference between the top and bottom numbers and how to record your readings.
What Do LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides Mean?
Learn about the common parts of a cholesterol report.
What Is Hemoglobin A1C?
Learn what the test measures, why it may be ordered, and what questions to ask about the result.
What Does TSH Mean?
Learn why TSH may be tested and why other information may be needed to interpret the result.
Questions to Ask About a Test Result
When reviewing a result with your healthcare professional, consider asking:
- Why was this test ordered?
- What does the test measure?
- Is my result within the reference range used by this laboratory?
- What does this result mean for me?
- Could my medications, supplements, food, activity, or test preparation have affected it?
- Should the test be repeated?
- Are additional tests needed?
- Should I make any changes before my next appointment?
- When should I follow up?
- What symptoms should prompt me to seek help sooner?
Write down the answers or bring someone you trust if you need help remembering the conversation.
Keep Track of Your Health Information
Keeping your health information organized can make appointments easier.
Consider tracking:
- Current medications and supplements
- Medication allergies
- Blood pressure readings
- Blood sugar readings, if requested by your healthcare professional
- Laboratory reports
- Vaccination history
- Previous procedures
- Questions for your next appointment
- Changes in symptoms
Do not change a treatment plan based only on a home reading or online information. Contact your healthcare professional for personal guidance.
Trusted Health Resources
Use reliable sources when researching health information.
- MedlinePlus: How to Understand Your Lab Results
- MedlinePlus: Medical Tests
- CDC: About High Blood Pressure
- CDC: About Cholesterol
- CDC: Diabetes Basics
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Recommendation Topics
Have a Health Topic You Want Explained?
Do you have a general question about a laboratory test, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid testing, preventive care, or a medical term?
Send your topic suggestion. Your question may help shape a future PinoyPharmD article.
Please do not include laboratory reports, medical records, medication lists, insurance information, or other private information. Individual results and medical questions cannot be interpreted through this form.
Important Health Disclaimer
The information on PinoyPharmD is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition or replace personal medical advice, examination, testing, or treatment.
Laboratory results and health measurements must be interpreted using your individual history and circumstances. Speak with your doctor, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional about your results and health concerns.
Do not delay seeking medical care because of information you read on this website.
If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
