Can anyone tell me, in practical terms, what a slightly elevated CO2 level in a blood test means? Is it likely to mean that I'm a lazy slob who manages to get only about 10 minutes of aerobic exercise a month, for example? (Unfortunately, that is probably true.)
I was just looking over my two previous blood tests and both showed the CO2 just above the normal range. It wasn't enough to get my doctor excited, obviously, as she never even mentioned it when we went over blood tests results. (She got a lot more excited about my cholesterol results, however.)
Anyway, I did a web search and didn't find much of practical significance. Most just said:
CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) - The CO2 level is related to the respiratory exchange of carbon dioxide in the lungs and is part of the bodies buffering system. Generally when used with the other electrolytes, it is a good indicator of acidosis and alkalinity.
Normal Adult Range: 22-32 mEq/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 27
I was just looking over my two previous blood tests and both showed the CO2 just above the normal range. It wasn't enough to get my doctor excited, obviously, as she never even mentioned it when we went over blood tests results. (She got a lot more excited about my cholesterol results, however.)
Anyway, I did a web search and didn't find much of practical significance. Most just said:
CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) - The CO2 level is related to the respiratory exchange of carbon dioxide in the lungs and is part of the bodies buffering system. Generally when used with the other electrolytes, it is a good indicator of acidosis and alkalinity.
Normal Adult Range: 22-32 mEq/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 27