Introduction to Laboratory

You have now completed the history and physical examination of a 45-year-old man with findings consistent with hypertension, and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Many secondary causes of hypertension have been excluded by the history and physical examination. Certain basic inexpensive laboratory tests should now be carried out. They will further exclude secondary causes, assess target organs for damage and identify other risk factors. These studies will also provide baseline values for judging the biochemical effects of therapy.

Our patient's laboratory results revealed a normal complete blood count, urinalysis, serum electrolytes, BUN and creatinine, glucose and uric acid.

His lipoprotein profile revealed normal triglycerides. His cholesterol demonstrated an increased risk for coronary artery disease. His total cholesterol was increased, as was his low density lipoprotein cholesterol. His high density lipoprotein cholesterol was decreased.

In our patient, other screening tests for rare, secondary causes of hypertension are unwarranted. His history, physical examination and simple laboratory tests have indicated they are unlikely.