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- Aug 22, 2015
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I didn't listen to the whole segment. The bits and pieces I did listen to, I'd suggest that Skip seeks out a sleep study too rule out sleep apnea. I would also have him check to see if he's a habitual mouth breather, durning wake periods and during sleep. This has a small yet an attribution to increased levels of deoxyhemoglobin. For lack of better terms, deoxyhemoglobin is nonfunctional deoxygenated hemoglobin. Different degrees of deoxyhemoglobin is also seen in those with uncontrolled sleep apnea and polycythemia. Deoxyhemoglobin increases cell mass volume, therefore will show an increase in serum hemoglobin or by a B-hemoglobin photometer. Something he may or may not be aware of, with a finger prick method (B-hemoglobin photometer) this can, on occasion show false highs, if: (a) the machine isn't calibrated correctly and (b) if the phlebotomist takes their jolly time transferring the collection slide to the machine. Normally for a healthy person it takes around 2 to 6 minutes for blood to clot. If we was to quantify the measure of time of a finger puncture to the photometer from minutes to prolonged seconds we would see a gradual increase in hemoglobin. A photometer works by emitting light through the test slide to determine our hemoglobin levels. If partial coagulation has occurred this process will lead to the formation of clots on the slide, reducing the lightwaves, therefore show a falsely elevated hemoglobin.
Something he can do to give him an indication if there is a possibility of degree of deoxyhemoglobin. He can prick his finger, try to pool as much blood as he can. If there's a dark blue hue to his blood, this is a good indication there's some sort of diease process or uncontrolled sleep apnea.
Something else he may consider also. If he has hypertension, that's not controlled by an Rx, he might consider speaking to his primary care provider about the use of an ACE inhibitor or an ARB (angiotensin receptor blockade). There's data indicating both of these HTN drug have been shown to have suppressive actions on erythropoietin. Ultimately, lowering red blood cell production. Somethings to consider.
With all that said, our hemoglobin levels fluctuates throughout the day. Morning being generally higher than afternoon or evening hours.
You guys were hitting on the topic of aspirin being a blood thinner. Aspirin isn't a blood thinner per se. Aspirin works by interfering with the synthesis of prostagandins which blocks the synthesis of thromboxane A2, therefore acts as an antiplatelet agent.
I've spoke my peace on isoenzymes. It's evident some people don't understand pharmacodynamics. So the general audience is aware, setting aside exmestane interactions with berberine. Several pharmaceutical drugs are metabolized by these isoenzymes; CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. Tread cautiously.
They need to get you on PED radio, would love to hear your input on some topics. If you don't mind me asking, Do you work as a coach, or in medicine?