I am 36 years old, and just got the results of what is probably my first cholesterol test. My numbers:

total: 227 :o
ldl: 169 :o
hdl: 49

I didn't fast before this test, so I'm not sure how that might affect it. My doctor has scheduled a follow up fasting test for me six weeks from now, and has prescribed me a medication to take in the meantime (which I am not going to take unless I fail the second test.) I am planning to do everything possible to lower these numbers without medication in the next six weeks.

I am pretty freaked out by all this, because I exercise a fair amount and don't eat much junk food, etc. In my freaked out state I have already ordered a book about changing my diet and am going to exercise much more.

I was hoping someone could help me out with the following:
1. Since it is likely I've had high levels for many years -- what kind of long term damage have I probably done? Is it possible to reverse this damage, or have I cut some years off my life?

2. Since I did not fast beforehand, could that greatly affect all of my results?

3. Not to sound too much like a hypochondriac, but I have noticed I have some small spider viens. Can these be caused by high cholesterol? I'm freakin out! :)

thanks in advance for any help with my questions!

Although an ldl of 169 is rather high, it's not insanely terrible. Also keep in mind that some people live to old age with terrible cholesterol levels and no heart disease, while others have perfect lipid numbers and get a heart attack in their 40s. Cholesterol is a risk factor, but not the only factor.

I'm not sure if fasting affects ldl and hdl numbers, but am rather sure it does for triglycerides (glucose too). And maybe ask for a VAP or NMR test next time, if you didn't get one already.

Thanks for the info. I browsed some more posts here, and I feel much better about my situation. I'm surprised that my doctor would try to put me on meds without trying lifestyle changes first. As I see it now, my total cholesterol/hdl ratio isn't too bad (4.6), and my triglycerides (if my math is correct) are only 45, which is good. So, my total cholesterol is a little too high, and my ldl is the main thing I need to work on.

I'm not familiar with the VAP and NMR, are they the tests that measure the size of the ldl particles?

I'm not familiar with the VAP and NMR, are they the tests that measure the size of the ldl particles?


Yep, they measure particle sizes and are a lot more exact than regular lipid tests. If you ever noticed, on a normal cholesterol test it says 'calculated' for LDL. Quite often, if you have low HDL, a standard test will underestimate your LDL levels.

You might also want to get your C-reactive protein checked as well as homocysteine. As for your LDL levels, if they don't improve with diet/exercise, you could try plant stanols. They should lower your LDL by 10-15% or so, and you can avoid medication that way. Oat bran is another option.