Why is my cholesterol level so high? - Heart Disorders Message Board

pittguy578 · 08-06-2005, 09:56 AM

I am a 27 year old male, and I just got the results back on my cholesterol test. I am concerned because I have been watching what I eat for a long time ( like +12 years. I don't eat alot of junk)or consume high fat foods.no fast food..only Subway... and I take E, C, and a multivtamin on a daily basis. I am not overweight (I am 5'9, 165)

My cholesterol level was 202.
They were slightly concerned that my LDL was signfiicant higher than the HDL.0 I think my LDL level was somewhere around 140. And this was with all of those preventive measures I thought I was taking.If I wasn't doing all of that, I wouldn't be so concerned. I would simply make changes

Any thoughts/ideas how to increase HDL and decrease LDL? Any r ecommended supplements?

The reason I am concerned is heart disease runs on my dad's side of the family, and I don't want to wait until I get older to start taking preventive measures.

Jim

ettig · 08-06-2005, 11:16 AM

Hi Jim

My first thought is that maybe you have "Familial Hypercholesterolemia". With your increased levels of cholesterol (especially the LDL levels) and the fact that you´ve mentioned that hearts disease runs in your family this is a possiblelyti.

If I was you, I would try to see a cardiologist, that specialises within in this area. Get at genetic test done, to either confirm or disconfirm if you have Familial Hypercholesterolemia. If the test comes back positive, you will need to get some medication to lower your cholesterol. Exercise and a low fat diet is also a must, but you will still need the medication.

I know there´s a lot of people that are against taking drugs for cholesterol, due to the sideeffects. But when you have familial hypercholesterolemia, you also have a VERY HIGH risk to get a stroke in a very early age. We have familial hyperscholeterolemia in my family, and my cousin had his first blood clot last year, and he was 38. But frankly I haven't had many problems with the side effects.

Gitte

Lenin · 08-06-2005, 01:39 PM

Jim,

So what WAS your HDL? EVERYBODY'S HDL is higher than his LDL!

Your numbers are ok...don't worry!

Unless you are a muscular 5'9", I'd say that losing 5 or 10 pounds might be a good longterm idea.

started04 · 08-07-2005, 09:27 AM

There could be a test error or a misprint on the report! There is a ratio of LDL to HDL. This is a positive number: LDL/HDL should be 2.5-4.0 and chol/HDL s/b 3.5-5.5. A lower LDL to HDL would result in a fraction!

Genetics play a very important role in one's cholesterol level, and that role may override normal diet and weight. Regular exercise would help and with a family history of heart problems a cardio may recommend medication.

Better numbers woulld be beneficial to one with a family history of heart problems. HDL in the range of 30-70 and LDL 50-160 is desired. HDL of 50-70 does overlap into the 50-160 range of the desired LDL and IMHO, if accurate does need professional counsel for clarification of this unusual condition.