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Learn about the potential links between low bilirubin levels and increased risks for certain conditions, including coronary artery disease and eye damage.
High or low bilirubin levels might indicate that some part of the process of breaking down and clearing old red blood cells isn’t working correctly. What do bilirubin levels in your blood indicate? Healthcare providers often give bilirubin tests to check on the health of your liver.
It is a major part of bile, a fluid produced in your liver. After it breaks down, bilirubin travels through your bloodstream until it is excreted. While having high bilirubin can be a sign of liver disease and other health problems, low levels rarely pose an urgent danger.
What causes low bilirubin? Lower than normal levels of bilirubin typically aren't a problem. Low levels of bilirubin (hypobilirubinemia) may be a result of certain medications or caffeine.
Lower than usual bilirubin levels are usually not a concern. Higher levels of direct bilirubin in your blood may indicate your liver isn't clearing bilirubin properly. This may indicate liver damage or disease. Higher levels of indirect bilirubin may be a sign of other problems.
What happens when you have low levels of bilirubin? Is it a cause for concern? In this article, we take a closer look at what is considered a low bilirubin level, the causes, and the symptoms you should be on the lookout for.
Bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted in stool. Higher levels of bilirubin might mean liver damage or disease. At times, conditions such as a blockage of the liver ducts or certain types of anemia also can lead to elevated bilirubin.
Total bilirubin (direct and indirect) ranges from about 0.2 to 1.2 mg/dL (some lab values range as high as 1.9 mg/dL). Medical literature sources have minor variations in "normal" levels. Low bilirubin levels may be due to certain medications such as theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24), phenobarbital, and increased vitamin C levels.
Jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia) is when your skin, sclera (whites of your eyes) and mucous membranes turn yellow. Jaundice occurs when your liver is unable to process bilirubin (a yellow substance made when red blood cells break down) in your blood. This can either be caused by too much red blood cell breakdown or liver injury. How jaundice develops:
Your liver makes protein, and low protein levels may indicate that your liver isn’t functioning optimally. Bilirubin test. Bilirubin is a waste product that your liver deposits in bile. LDH test. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in many of your body’s tissues, including your liver. Prothrombin Time (PT) test.