Can cholesterol be too low?

healthychanges1

I have been told by different doctors on various occasions that I have the lowest cholesterol they have ever seen. They did not express concern, but I recently came across an article that claimed people with low cholesterol are at an elevated risk for stroke. Is there such a thing as cholesterol which is TOO low?

recoiljpr

What is your total/ldl/hdl? If hdl is too low, that can be concerning.


My total Cholesterol usually runs around 136, hdl runs around 72 and ldl runs around 82. I see a cardiologist yearly and he's always ecstatic about my numbers. So I would assume if yours are somewhere around there you would be okay. But I am NOT a doctor...

tomomatic

I've never heard of this problem. In fact, I have the exact opposite running in my family.

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance that occurs in animal and some plants. There's also good cholesterol and bad cholesterol.

I think the important thing is balance. When is the last time you had bloodwork done as part of your check up? They'll usually give you a break down of what kind of cholesterol you have and what you need more of. For example, I was told my good cholesterol was low at my last visit so they recommended that I start taking Omega-3 supplements and eating more fish. My bad cholesterol was normal so I consider that a win. I think the important message is to have balance in everything.

taylor5877

My total was 123 (? units) last time I got checked, and even though my HDL was low (32), my HDL/LDL ratio was still good.

I started MFP to make sure I got enough dietary fat, as I was eating what I would estimate to be 10-15% of my calories from fat before.

I'm trying to raise my HDL.

jillleanne

Your total cholesterol is a combination of HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol). You need HDL cholesterol in order to transport cholesterol around and eventually from your body. Cholesterol is also an essential part of cell membranes. In fact you body makes a lot of its own cholesterol.

If your doctor isn't concerned I wouldn't be either. My total cholesterol runs in the normal range, but my HDL cholesterol is elevated, while my LDL is below "normal". And my doctor is not concerned whatsoever. If it concerns you just ask next time you see him!