jenj770
06-03-2009, 07:29 AM
Total Cholesterol 228
HDL 111
LDL 105
TRI 71
These numbers seem fine to me but because I have a strong genetic predisposition for heart disease my doc wants the LDL to go below 80, which he says is the new parameter for high risk people. Any thoughts?
HDL 111
LDL 105
TRI 71
These numbers seem fine to me but because I have a strong genetic predisposition for heart disease my doc wants the LDL to go below 80, which he says is the new parameter for high risk people. Any thoughts?
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tjlhb
06-03-2009, 12:10 PM
By strong genetic predisposition, do you mean that relatives get heart attacks even though they do not have the usual risk factors like smoking, high LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.?
jenj770
06-03-2009, 12:24 PM
By strong genetic predisposition, do you mean that relatives get heart attacks even though they do not have the usual risk factors like smoking, high LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.?
I guess I would have to say that most family members had some of the risk factors, diabetes, high b/p, or smokers, etc. but I am very healthy - thin, don't smoke, eat well, etc.... but if I don't do what I have been doing - using alternative type supplements, my cholesterol numbers start deteriorating. This they believe is due to my genetic makeup rather than poor eating habits and such.
I guess I would have to say that most family members had some of the risk factors, diabetes, high b/p, or smokers, etc. but I am very healthy - thin, don't smoke, eat well, etc.... but if I don't do what I have been doing - using alternative type supplements, my cholesterol numbers start deteriorating. This they believe is due to my genetic makeup rather than poor eating habits and such.
tjlhb
06-03-2009, 03:19 PM
If you are really worried about the possibility of having the less common risk factors not found in the usual blood cholesterol tests (e.g. Lp(A), small dense LDL that is more dangerous than large buoyant LDL, small dense HDL that is less protective than large buoyant HDL, homocystine, etc.), you may want to consider asking your doctor about the more extensive blood lipids tests. Especially if your doctor is recommending (more) medication (alternative or otherwise).
Note, however, that it is still possible to have excess body fat even if you are of "normal" weight, if you have too little muscle mass. If that is a problem, you may want to add strength training to gain muscle which will increase your metabolism that burns body fat, which may lower your LDL level.
Of course, if your diet is not optimal for lowering LDL levels (avoiding transfats from hydrogenated oils, avoiding saturated fats, consuming unsaturated fats instead), you may want to consider doing more of that. Higher fiber (especially soluble) consumption may help also. Some people have blood LDL levels that respond to dietary cholesterol, so if you think that is the case for you, you may want to avoid high cholesterol foods like egg yolks, squid, and shrimp.
Note, however, that it is still possible to have excess body fat even if you are of "normal" weight, if you have too little muscle mass. If that is a problem, you may want to add strength training to gain muscle which will increase your metabolism that burns body fat, which may lower your LDL level.
Of course, if your diet is not optimal for lowering LDL levels (avoiding transfats from hydrogenated oils, avoiding saturated fats, consuming unsaturated fats instead), you may want to consider doing more of that. Higher fiber (especially soluble) consumption may help also. Some people have blood LDL levels that respond to dietary cholesterol, so if you think that is the case for you, you may want to avoid high cholesterol foods like egg yolks, squid, and shrimp.
ACE28
06-03-2009, 04:01 PM
Total Cholesterol 228
HDL 111
LDL 105
TRI 71
These numbers seem fine to me but because I have a strong genetic predisposition for heart disease my doc wants the LDL to go below 80, which he says is the new parameter for high risk people. Any thoughts?
The HDL (If correct) is the highest I've ever seen posted. Your ratio which is the guidelines used by most cardiologists and Research Institutes of HDL/Total Cholesterol is excellent. There is a 2 % drop in heart disease risk for every point increase in your HDL number. Your Cholesterol numbers (especially HDL and Trigs) gives you an added protection that many do not have. Keep in mind that most Coronary incidents and strokes occurr in those with normal and healthy Total/LDL cholesterol levels. Those who drink alcohol on a daily basis (approx. 2 drinks a day) slash their heart disease risk and all cause mortality regardless of cholesterol or blood pressure numbers. The point is; Cholesterol is important, and you seem to have most bases covered, but do not neglect other blood factors such as Homocyteine and CRP. A CRP of > 1.0 indicates arterial inflammation. The higher the CRP the greater the systemic inflammation. Aspirin among many other medications/supplements lowers this inflammation.
HDL 111
LDL 105
TRI 71
These numbers seem fine to me but because I have a strong genetic predisposition for heart disease my doc wants the LDL to go below 80, which he says is the new parameter for high risk people. Any thoughts?
The HDL (If correct) is the highest I've ever seen posted. Your ratio which is the guidelines used by most cardiologists and Research Institutes of HDL/Total Cholesterol is excellent. There is a 2 % drop in heart disease risk for every point increase in your HDL number. Your Cholesterol numbers (especially HDL and Trigs) gives you an added protection that many do not have. Keep in mind that most Coronary incidents and strokes occurr in those with normal and healthy Total/LDL cholesterol levels. Those who drink alcohol on a daily basis (approx. 2 drinks a day) slash their heart disease risk and all cause mortality regardless of cholesterol or blood pressure numbers. The point is; Cholesterol is important, and you seem to have most bases covered, but do not neglect other blood factors such as Homocyteine and CRP. A CRP of > 1.0 indicates arterial inflammation. The higher the CRP the greater the systemic inflammation. Aspirin among many other medications/supplements lowers this inflammation.
jenj770
06-03-2009, 04:09 PM
Thanks Ace,
Yes, the HDL is correct. This was a very thorough blood work up but the two factors you mentioned - Homocyteine and CRP I do not see listed, so I have no idea what they are. I do take one of the 86 mg. baby aspirin a day and I don't drink or smoke.
My main question was in the realm of - is this doctor being overly cautious by trying to get my LDL below 80 or are these numbers okay.
Jen
Yes, the HDL is correct. This was a very thorough blood work up but the two factors you mentioned - Homocyteine and CRP I do not see listed, so I have no idea what they are. I do take one of the 86 mg. baby aspirin a day and I don't drink or smoke.
My main question was in the realm of - is this doctor being overly cautious by trying to get my LDL below 80 or are these numbers okay.
Jen
namelessme
06-03-2009, 05:48 PM
Based on your numbers (and lack of better testing) your doctor comes across a bit insane to me.
The idea of reducing LDL below 80 is generally for those with existing heart disease, or lots of other risk factors.
And based on what you said so far, he didn't even check for some of the other risk factors.
C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and a VAP test should be done. With your good trig values, and super high HDL, I expect your LDL is large and fluffy (the good kind). But without a VAP there is no way to be certain. And it will also give your Lp(a) values, which is especially important for those with a family history of heart disease, as it can be hereditary. A normal lipid test doesn't report Lp(a) nor lipid particle sizes.
The idea of reducing LDL below 80 is generally for those with existing heart disease, or lots of other risk factors.
And based on what you said so far, he didn't even check for some of the other risk factors.
C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and a VAP test should be done. With your good trig values, and super high HDL, I expect your LDL is large and fluffy (the good kind). But without a VAP there is no way to be certain. And it will also give your Lp(a) values, which is especially important for those with a family history of heart disease, as it can be hereditary. A normal lipid test doesn't report Lp(a) nor lipid particle sizes.
tjlhb
06-03-2009, 05:57 PM
The numbers are generally considered fine.
But if the family history bothers you, you may want to get the tests for Lp(A), homocystine, CRP, LDL particle size, HDL particle size, and whatever other less known risk factors there are that the usual tests do not reveal.
But if the family history bothers you, you may want to get the tests for Lp(A), homocystine, CRP, LDL particle size, HDL particle size, and whatever other less known risk factors there are that the usual tests do not reveal.
jenj770
06-04-2009, 07:49 AM
C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and a VAP test should be done. With your good trig values, and super high HDL, I expect your LDL is large and fluffy (the good kind). But without a VAP there is no way to be certain. And it will also give your Lp(a) values, which is especially important for those with a family history of heart disease, as it can be hereditary. .
Some of these factors you mention actually are listed on the report:
LDL size pattern (pattern A large buoyant)
HDL-2 large buoyant 38 >15 mg/dl
HDL-3 small dense 73 >25 mg/dl
VLDL-3 (Remnant Lipo) 8 <10 mg/dl
Remnant Lipo (IDL+VLDL3) 13 <30 mg/dl
The LP (a) is the only factor listed as "high" at 10.0 but the reference range is <10 mg/dL so it doesn't seem all that "high" to me.
There are a few other numbers listed and the whole test is called VAP (TM) Cholesterol test.
Some of these factors you mention actually are listed on the report:
LDL size pattern (pattern A large buoyant)
HDL-2 large buoyant 38 >15 mg/dl
HDL-3 small dense 73 >25 mg/dl
VLDL-3 (Remnant Lipo) 8 <10 mg/dl
Remnant Lipo (IDL+VLDL3) 13 <30 mg/dl
The LP (a) is the only factor listed as "high" at 10.0 but the reference range is <10 mg/dL so it doesn't seem all that "high" to me.
There are a few other numbers listed and the whole test is called VAP (TM) Cholesterol test.
namelessme
06-04-2009, 03:08 PM
Ah, so you did get a VAP... nice.
Those numbers look great to me. For LDL, there should be a little graph too. The further to the right the marker is, the larger the particle and the better it is.
The only other issue to consider is C-reactive protein. That may appear as HS-CRP on the report.
And Lp(a) is a minor concern there, but you are borderline normal. I should also add statins do nothing at all for reducing Lp(a). To get that down, niacin, vitamin c, and some amino acids can be used. Maybe fish oil too, but I'm not certain.
I'm still baffled why your doctor would want to put you on a statin with those numbers. Unless your C-reactive protein is sky high, I see no reason at all.
Those numbers look great to me. For LDL, there should be a little graph too. The further to the right the marker is, the larger the particle and the better it is.
The only other issue to consider is C-reactive protein. That may appear as HS-CRP on the report.
And Lp(a) is a minor concern there, but you are borderline normal. I should also add statins do nothing at all for reducing Lp(a). To get that down, niacin, vitamin c, and some amino acids can be used. Maybe fish oil too, but I'm not certain.
I'm still baffled why your doctor would want to put you on a statin with those numbers. Unless your C-reactive protein is sky high, I see no reason at all.
jenj770
06-04-2009, 04:56 PM
The only other issue to consider is C-reactive protein. That may appear as HS-CRP on the report. And Lp(a) is a minor concern there, but you are borderline normal. I should also add statins do nothing at all for reducing Lp(a). To get that down, niacin, vitamin c, and some amino acids can be used. Maybe fish oil too, but I'm not certain.I'm still baffled why your doctor would want to put you on a statin with those numbers. Unless your C-reactive protein is sky high, I see no reason at all.
Nameless,Thanks for all the good information (others who responded as well)!
I don't see HS-CRP anywhere on the report. I don't know why that wasn't included but I will ask if it can be (included) next time around.
My doc did not want to put me on statins as he already knows I wouldn't take them, nor any other medication. He wanted me to increase the amounts of the natural substances I am already taking, namely RYR (I know some here do not consider this a good or natural product but I think it preferable to prescription statins). And I already have been taking Vitamin C, Flush Niacin and Krill oil for many years. My understanding is that fish oil lowers triglycerides, Niacin the HDL. I was taking L'Cartinine as well but stopped that about 6 months ago. Maybe I'll continue again per your amino acid suggestion if you think it might lower the Lp (a).
I think his expectation of getting my LDL below 80 is a bit unrealistic as well and this was his main concern with it at 105. I just wondered if anyone else had been given similar edicts about their numbers. My mother, father and sister have had bypass surgery and everyone else has high cholesterol which is being controlled by prescription statins. I think I'm in pretty good shape here, considering ....... ;)
Thanks again. The info. from you all has definitely helped me to decipher my results and put things in perspective.
Jen
Nameless,Thanks for all the good information (others who responded as well)!
I don't see HS-CRP anywhere on the report. I don't know why that wasn't included but I will ask if it can be (included) next time around.
My doc did not want to put me on statins as he already knows I wouldn't take them, nor any other medication. He wanted me to increase the amounts of the natural substances I am already taking, namely RYR (I know some here do not consider this a good or natural product but I think it preferable to prescription statins). And I already have been taking Vitamin C, Flush Niacin and Krill oil for many years. My understanding is that fish oil lowers triglycerides, Niacin the HDL. I was taking L'Cartinine as well but stopped that about 6 months ago. Maybe I'll continue again per your amino acid suggestion if you think it might lower the Lp (a).
I think his expectation of getting my LDL below 80 is a bit unrealistic as well and this was his main concern with it at 105. I just wondered if anyone else had been given similar edicts about their numbers. My mother, father and sister have had bypass surgery and everyone else has high cholesterol which is being controlled by prescription statins. I think I'm in pretty good shape here, considering ....... ;)
Thanks again. The info. from you all has definitely helped me to decipher my results and put things in perspective.
Jen
namelessme
06-04-2009, 05:06 PM
I'm not sure you need the RYR even, but I suppose if your cholesterol was elevated before starting it, then perhaps so.
If going the statin route, I do like RYR a lot better than prescription forms. Although it may not be strong enough for everyone.
If you don't mind saying, what are the dosages of RYR, vitamin C, Krill, and whatever else are you taking now? I'm sort of jealous of that HDL of yours and wondering exactly how you got it so high. It's really amazingly good. I expect the Niacin is responsible mostly.
I think Pauling recommended Lysine and Proline for Lp(a). Niacin and vitamin C should help lower Lp(a) a decent amount too. You could just keep an eye on it, or perhaps up your vitamin C or niacin if you want.
If going the statin route, I do like RYR a lot better than prescription forms. Although it may not be strong enough for everyone.
If you don't mind saying, what are the dosages of RYR, vitamin C, Krill, and whatever else are you taking now? I'm sort of jealous of that HDL of yours and wondering exactly how you got it so high. It's really amazingly good. I expect the Niacin is responsible mostly.
I think Pauling recommended Lysine and Proline for Lp(a). Niacin and vitamin C should help lower Lp(a) a decent amount too. You could just keep an eye on it, or perhaps up your vitamin C or niacin if you want.
jenj770
06-05-2009, 07:28 AM
I'm not sure you need the RYR even, but I suppose if your cholesterol was elevated before starting it, then perhaps so.
I reduced my LDL considerably in just 3 months with RYR.
If you don't mind saying, what are the dosages of RYR, vitamin C, Krill, and whatever else are you taking now? I'm sort of jealous of that HDL of yours and wondering exactly how you got it so high. It's really amazingly good. I expect the Niacin is responsible mostly.
I have been taking 600 mg. RYR but that is what he wants me to now double to get my LDL lower, I also take 1000 mg. of Neptune Krill. I started the Krill about 4 months ago. Vitamin C I take in powder form about 2000 mg. I have been taking Niacin for about 10 years. I started by slowly building up to a dose of about 1200 mg but for the past 5 years or so have settled in on a maintenance dose of 500 mg a day. I take some other supplements but these are the main ones I take for heart health. Oh, and I also eat low carb (have for about 8 years now). I really think this is a key factor to consider.
Hope this helps.
J.
I reduced my LDL considerably in just 3 months with RYR.
If you don't mind saying, what are the dosages of RYR, vitamin C, Krill, and whatever else are you taking now? I'm sort of jealous of that HDL of yours and wondering exactly how you got it so high. It's really amazingly good. I expect the Niacin is responsible mostly.
I have been taking 600 mg. RYR but that is what he wants me to now double to get my LDL lower, I also take 1000 mg. of Neptune Krill. I started the Krill about 4 months ago. Vitamin C I take in powder form about 2000 mg. I have been taking Niacin for about 10 years. I started by slowly building up to a dose of about 1200 mg but for the past 5 years or so have settled in on a maintenance dose of 500 mg a day. I take some other supplements but these are the main ones I take for heart health. Oh, and I also eat low carb (have for about 8 years now). I really think this is a key factor to consider.
Hope this helps.
J.
mod-anon
06-08-2009, 01:14 AM
ACE28,
Your posts on this thread are not addressing the concerns of the original poster.
I have moved your posts to a new thread:
"Diet & Supplements"
Your posts on this thread are not addressing the concerns of the original poster.
I have moved your posts to a new thread:
"Diet & Supplements"