Al Symkowski's Lab Tests
NOTE: Remember that unnecessary laboratory testing wastes precious time and increases health costs for all of us!
Laboratory test results:
- EKG indicates left ventricular hypertrophy.
- Exercise stress test: Positive: pain reproduced, ST depression noted on EKG.

- Serum cholesterol: 502 mg/dl (normal: <200 mg/dl)
- Triglycerides: 198 mg/dl (normal: <200 mg/dl)
- HDL: 20 mg/dl (normal: >45 mg/dl)
- LDL: 280 mg/dl (normal: 60-180 mg/dl)
- Cardiac enzyme levels:
- Creatinine phosphokinase (CPK): 20 mU/ml (normal: 5-75 mU/ml)
- Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH): 120 ImU/ml (normal: 90-200 ImU/ml)
- Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST; formerly serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, SGOT): 24 IU/L (normal: 5-40 IU/L)
Click here for more information on Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests
Study Questions:
- The T wave indicates:
- The depolarization (contraction) of the atria
- The depolarization (contraction) of the ventricles.
- The repolarization (relaxing) of the atria.
- The repolarization (relaxing) of the ventricles.
Questions:
Please email your answers to your instructor or write the answers down in your case log book.
Just complete this form. Click on Submit when ready to send.
- Your name:
- Email address:
- 1. What is left ventricular hypertrophy? What causes it?
- 2. What does the inverted T wave indicate? Why do you think it appears only when Mr. Smykowski exercises?
- Now look at Mr. Smykowski's blood results.
3a. Are any results within normal limits? If so, what does that tell you about his condition? - 3b. Are any results outside normal limits? If so, what does that tell you about his condition?
Next step: Solve the Case »