Cholesterol question

MichelleB69
MichelleB69 Posts: 213 Member
edited September 25 in Food and Nutrition
I just had my blood drawn and received the results today. While I am BEYOND thrilled that my total cholesterol my under 200 (192) for the first time in 10+ years, I was a little shocked as well as my LDL level was elevated @ 132. My triglycerides were also normal at 70 and my HDL was low/normal @ 46.

So, my question is HOW can my total cholesterol be in the normal range if my LDL (bad) cholesterol was elevated?

I have a doc's appt next month to discuss results, but was really wanting to have some additional info NOW....I'm all about immediate gratification! LOL Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!

Replies

  • jksn2nlove
    jksn2nlove Posts: 74
    I just received my results myself today and my total cholesterol went from 209 to 164. Here is a good website that explains more :wink:

    The way I read my results were Cholesterol-HDL - 46 and my non-HDL cholesterol - 118 which totals 164 for total cholesterol.

    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol-levels/CL00001
  • meshellmybell76
    meshellmybell76 Posts: 139 Member
    the LDL being elevated is actually more of a concern than your total cholesterol. I would focus on taking measures to RAISE your HDL (the good one) such as by exercise and eating a healthy amount of good fats and fiber. A nice high HDL will lower the LDL. Good Luck!
  • jamie78
    jamie78 Posts: 514 Member
    I found this and it seems to have a lot of helpful info..
    http://www.medicinenet.com/cholesterol/article.htm
  • sicembears
    sicembears Posts: 77 Member
    I'm in the same boat, which is why I became serious about my health back in January. My hdl was 39, although my total level was in normal range. There are lots of books, websites, and even cookbooks out there to help on your journey. Best of luck and much success! Feel free to friend me if you want to.
  • Marll
    Marll Posts: 904 Member
    Controlled carbohydrate diets continue to show improvement in LDL numbers (lowering), Triglycerides (lowering) and raising HDL.
  • fittocycle
    fittocycle Posts: 827 Member
    I also think it's more important to raise the HDL. Do you exercise regularly? It really does help bring up the good cholesterol.
  • MichelleB69
    MichelleB69 Posts: 213 Member
    This blood test was drawn about a week into my lifestyle change...more to have an idea of a starting point so I can recheck it in a few months. So I am hoping my combined diet and exercise changes will be reflected in my next draw's numbers in 2 months.

    I also have a genetic pre-disposition to the high cholesterol. My mom is on meds for it as is my younger sister and I have lowered my LDL and increased my HDL thru diet/exercise before. Ideally, I would like to avoid taking meds for it EVER.
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