I recently went for a check-up and they found my spleen was enlarged at 13 cm and I have a grade 1 fatty liver. I did a bunch of tests like for malaria, typhoid, diabetes, thyroid, hepatitis B and C, ANA, and lipid profile, and everything came back normal except my bilirubin level is at 1.6 and my SGOT SGPT is around 5990. After sticking to regular exercise and a better diet for 50 days, I lost 6 kg, going from 87 to 81 kg. I still don't have any other symptoms but I feel some pain in my spleen area and now it's 14 cm in the ultrasound. I'm taking Udiliv 300 and vitamin E, but I've talked to a lot of doctors and still don't really understand why my spleen is enlarged. Can you help clarify what's going on?
As someone with high blood pressure (HBP), it's great that you're taking proactive steps to manage your condition and prevent potential complications, such as kidney problems.
_Understanding the Link between HBP and Kidney Problems_
High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys, reducing their ability to function properly. This can lead to kidney disease or exacerbate existing kidney issues.
_Precautionary Measures to Protect Your Kidneys_
1. _Monitor your blood pressure regularly_: Work with your doctor to ensure your blood pressure is well-controlled, aiming for a target range of 12080 mmHg or lower.
2. _Get regular kidney function tests_: Your doctor may recommend periodic urine and blood tests to monitor your kidney function.
3. _Maintain a healthy lifestyle_:
- _Exercise regularly_: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week.
- _Eat a balanced diet_: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy.
- _Stay hydrated_: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
4. _Limit sodium intake_: Consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Choose low-sodium options, and season your food with herbs and spices instead of salt.
5. _Stay hydrated_: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your kidneys function properly.
6. _Manage stress_: Engage in stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
7. _Get enough sleep_: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help regulate your blood pressure and overall health.
8. _Avoid smoking and limit alcohol_: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of kidney problems.