Can my total cholesterol be too low??

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kirstenkelly298
kirstenkelly298 Posts: 62 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I recently had my biometrics scan at work, my cholesterol dropped about 40 points from last year (I was in a completely healthy range last year). It sounds like most doctors don't seem to care about this, but some things I have read make it sound like we are just beginning to understand that cholesterol can be too low. Does anyone know anything else about this? Is my total cholesterol too low (obviously my biggest drop came from triglycerides)?

Total cholesterol: 116 (157 last year)
LDL: 53 (78 last year)
HDL: 53(53 last year)
Triglycerides: 49 (130 last year)

Replies

  • ephiemarie
    ephiemarie Posts: 264 Member
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    How's your thyroid?
  • kirstenkelly298
    kirstenkelly298 Posts: 62 Member
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    ephiemarie wrote: »
    How's your thyroid?

    That I am not sure about, I haven't had it tested in a few years. My mom does have thyroid problems though, so it does run in the family.
  • SimplyMicheleR
    SimplyMicheleR Posts: 89 Member
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    yes, it can be. And low cholesterol does not necessarily lower your risk for heart problems. sciencedaily.com is a great resource for the latest research.
  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
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    many health issues can lead to low cholesterol,from what I have read though it says 116 is optimal, anything under 200 is desired (for total), and for HDL and LDL anything less than 40 is bad. if you dont think the drs are worried then get a second opinion.
  • kirstenkelly298
    kirstenkelly298 Posts: 62 Member
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    Thanks all. The confusing part is there seem to be varying opinions on this (which seems to be the case for a lot of things). I am now finding some more research that is indicating my total cholesterol may be too low. I am guessing my numbers dropped because of the endurance cardio activities I participate in. I might have to start eating more good fats :) . It definitely won't hurt me to raise my numbers a bit, as I am so far below the limit of what is considered healthy.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,576 Member
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    Yes, it can be too low. Yours is not too low.

    Low HDL, especially, is not desirable.
  • MelaniaTrump
    MelaniaTrump Posts: 2,694 Member
    edited February 2016
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    You are right, very few reliable sites out there. And conflicting.
    I figured trying to get my HDL to above 60 was enough work !!! First goal.
    Good fats on the menu for me too.
  • runsonrabbitfood
    runsonrabbitfood Posts: 89 Member
    edited February 2016
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    My total was tested at an even 100 last year at a work biometrics lol. The lady didn't believe it and took another sample with a different device (thumb prick method). Later, my doctor told me I could eat some more avocados, but wasn't concerned overall. I, personally, wouldn't stress too much about the number.

    This is all anecdotal, however.
    If you are worried about the drop, I'd suggest speaking with your physician/doctor. While I doubt there is any need for concern, a medical professional will be able to give you more information than most here. If you don't already have one, getting one might not be a bad idea - even setting cholesterol levels aside. Biometric scans at work are great, but a doctor who is familiar with you long term will be able to deliver more personalized information.

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