Recently had my cholesterol done at local gym. To be honest I am not sure that they add up, and also what they mean.

Total cholesterol....... 276
HDL........... 47
LDL........... 36
triglycerides.... 80

now looking at formula here they don't all add up http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

I am 33 male, run 5 miles 3 times a week, eat low carb (Atkins diet) and I am not overweight. I dont smoke.

I can see that my LDL is very very low, however my total cholesterol and my HdL/Total cholesterol ratio too high. Is this important?? or is it likely that the test was incorrect?

Originally posted by Nigelr:
I can see that my LDL is very very low, however my total cholesterol and my HdL/Total cholesterol ratio too high. Is this important?? or is it likely that the test was incorrect?

Something is clearly amiss here and you can't know for certain without a new test. A likely candidate for error is the simple calculation for LDL, but you can't know this without a new test. Insist that whoever is providing you the results double check their findings before giving them to you.

wow quick answer http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

the test was done through a machine and no human calculations were done.. just read off the machine

Originally posted by Nigelr:
the test was done through a machine and no human calculations were done.. just read off the machine
Was this your device or one in a doctors office? Did you see the numbers yourself or were they given to you?

Done in gym office using a machine that gave the reading out on a display.. I didnt actually see the reading for myself but they were printed out for me. I suspose it is possible that he misread the results.

Question is... is there anyway I could have such low ldl, fairly good hdl and so much total cholesterol??
Obviously other types of cholesterol make up the total amount, but I am sure I read on these boards that TC=hdl+ldl+tygl/5.

If there is a way my test could be true then I am sure i shouldnt worry too much.. but if I need a re test.. well then I best get to it.

Nigelr,

There is no way those results are valid or even close to valid.

A machine at the gym is DEFINITELY the wrong way to have your lipids measured. Have them redone at the doctor's office.

As you know, with Atkins you can well expect a nice low triglyceride like that 80, but the LDL number seems out of Lewis Carroll. My guess is that the machine uses some shortcut calculations and assumptions to generate some numbers from others. These could be way off for low carb people with very low triglycerides (just guessing.)



[This message has been edited by zip2play (edited 09-30-2003).]

Do yourself a favor and have these tests done at a doctors office. In my area there are health screenings done by our hospital every few months. The cost is only $15.00. You might check to see if these health screenings are offered in your area.




[This message has been edited by cutup (edited 09-30-2003).]

Atkins has worked for some, but for others it has actually raised cholesterol levels. I think if you are looking at a hereditary/genetic problem you have to really avoid all overt & concentrated fats, cholesterol and lower your protein intake. People on an 80/10/10 ratio of carbs/fat/pro have reduced their high cholesterol levels significantly.

Doing what works for you personally is important, be it a certain diet or excercise, as long as it works, you want to keep doing it. On the other hand, if something isn't working that is your clue to find something else that will work for you.