In February '05 I had a blood test done to check my cholesterol levels and the readings were total cholesterol 199, Tri's 88, LDL 105 and HDL 76. I just had another blood test and my total cholesterol was 236, Tri's 87, LDL 156 and HDL 63. These readings within a 7 month period had somewhat increased and I am very concerned as my Dr. doesn't think it's enough to worry about but offered no solution to getting my total lowered. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to lower my LDL and increase my HDL? I am a female 5'3" and weigh 104. I have never weighed over 100lbs. until about 3 months ago but I am certainly not complaining as I welcomed the weight gain. Please help! Thank you!

Hey lilD,

Mine is almost the same as yours they want me on meds but I refuse and am trying it my way with an almost vegetarian diet. I would get a re-test in a few months. The thing is that everyone indulges in the summer on vacation and everything so maybe that is why your #s are high. I know I did this summer..good luck, Lisa

I am a female 5'3" and weigh 104. I have never weighed over 100lbs. until about 3 months ago but I am certainly not complaining as I welcomed the weight gain. Hi lildiana,
7 months ago ~~~ Current Numbers
TC - 199 ~~~~~~~~ TC - 236
LDL - 105 ~~~~~~ LDL - 156
HDL - 76 ~~~~~~~ HDL - 63
Trig's - 88 ~~~~~~ Trig's - 87

You mention you gained a few pounds.
Has anything changed in your diet and exercise regime?
Are you taking any prescription meds? Some drugs can affect cholesterol levels.

Omega 3 EFA (fish oil or cod liver oil) raises HDL and lowers LDL.
Look for a source of omega 3 that is 'mercury free'.
Start with 1,000 mg daily and increase as needed for desired results.
If you like fish, salmon (and most oily fish) are an excellent source.
Eggs also contain omega 3.
Very good article all about omega 3 from World's Healthiest Foods:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=84

Although your LDL is higher than 7 months ago, it's oxidized LDL
that is the problem, not just elevated LDL.
Has your doctor checked any of the following risk factors that are more
important than cholesterol?

* homocysteine
* hs-CRP (high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein
* Lp(a) - Lipoprotein (a)

These risk factors are inflammation markers and can contribute to atherosclerosis.

Frankie

Heart44, Thanks for the information. I do know about the Omega 3 but just haven't been taking it until this past Monday along with multivitamins and vitamin e. The only thing that changed that I believe has increased my weight gain is the sweets that I eat. I never ate sweets until about a year ago. I am not a fish eater but am going to stay on the Omega3. As far as the other tests that you mentioned, there were no indications on the report from my Dr. other than the TC, TRI's, LDL and HDL levels. They did check my thryoid and blood sugar levels and all were ok. I have tried to gain weight as I am small and welcomed the extra pounds and hate to give that up. I am also giving up the things that I love to eat that I know are not good for me that have saturated fat in them and stick to a more healthier diet. Thanks for you input and I will put it to good use. LILDIANA

I have tried to gain weight as I am small and welcomed the extra pounds and hate to give that up. I am also giving up the things that I love to eat that I know are not good for me that have saturated fat in them and stick to a more healthier diet.
Hi again Lildiana,

Some saturated fat is not bad. 8 to 10% of your diet can be saturated fat and up to 30% total fat. Dr Kilmer McCully says that an extremely low-fat diet can pose the risk of essential fatty-acid deficiency, as well as making it harder for the body to absorb fat soluble nutrients - vitamins A, D, E, K and ubiquinone (CoQ10). Fat is also more satisfying; you aren't hungry all the time.

Frankie