Cholestrol?

FitFi74
FitFi74 Posts: 129 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi,
Hope someone can help me? I thought that cholestrol should be below 5 - mine is 6.01 but the doctor is not concerned:

The figures are Triglycrides - 1.33, HDL 2.51, LDL 2.90 and then it says serum chol/hdl ratio 2.4.

I don't understand even with the explanation - can anyone put this is idiots terms cos I'm a bit confused/worried...

Thanks in advance x

Replies

  • FitFi74
    FitFi74 Posts: 129 Member
    bump
  • jenniferinfl
    jenniferinfl Posts: 456 Member
    6.01 is bordeline high. The compensating factor is your level of good cholesterol. HDL you want 1.6 and above and you have 2.51 which is excellent.
    Good explanation is here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol-levels/CL00001
    Below 2.6 and below is ideal for LDL with 2.6-3.3 being "near ideal".
    For triglycerides, below 1.7 is desirable.

    Even though your overall number is borderline high, the bad cholesterol is still near ideal, good cholesterol level is great.
    If you also don't have a family with a history of heart disease, that would probably be why your doctor is comfortable with your current numbers.
  • FitFi74
    FitFi74 Posts: 129 Member
    Thanks so much for response x
  • gregpack
    gregpack Posts: 426 Member
    We use other numbers in the US, which might account for the lack of responses. But comparing your numbers with the chart. I'd say no worries.

    There is a big push here in the US for statin drugs, My cardiologist is encouraging me to get on them, but I'm not willing to take them based on a marginally high LDL (117). I'm going the natural route of exercise, fish oil, olive oil, and increasing soluble fiber.
  • NCchar130
    NCchar130 Posts: 955 Member
    A few years ago I had a complete physical and my doctor told me my cholesterol was at a level where, if it were any higher, he would be concerned, and therefore I shouldn't worry about it. Shortly thereafter I started eating oatmeal every day for unrelated reasons. Pretty sure I ate it most days for the next year and at my next physical had lowered my bad cholesterol by 45 points, if I remember right. I was pretty stunned by that. So if you are at all worried, I would keep that in mind.

    Edited to add - I'm in the US so I guess the numbers aren't easy to compare, but it sounds like I was in a similar situation to you.

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