Did a Home test - Cholesterol High - High Cholesterol Message Board

JRF · 01-11-2005, 10:52 PM

Hi All,

First, let me apologize for this longer post.

Im 32 years old male and its been 5 years since I did a blood test/general checkup which had no comments from Doctor other than saying Normal.
In these 5 years my weight went up + 32 Pounds and again gradually reduced to the original weight now (Started good exercise and slightly watched the Diet).

As I've passed 5 years, I've scheduled a Dr. appointment.
I did home test for Blood Pressure (Normal), Sugar (Normal) where as my Cholesterol showed about 240 (Used a Home test meter).

Just before taking the test, I had consumed (may be the last one full month) I had consumed lots of Fatty meat, Sea Food, Red Meat etc., Could this be the reason the Cholesterol is high or it is because I have been losing weight gradually. I do not have any one in heridity with Cholesterol issue.

I am little concerned, Any how if results are bad, I will plan to act accordingly.
Since this thing is fairly new, it raises my concern.

Are home meters good to test? or I need to check with the Doctor.
If I had been consuming lots of Fatty Food in last 1 month, Would my Cholesterol level go up and will it come down if I streamline my diet.

Once again sorry about a longer post, Please post your suggestions.

Lenin · 01-12-2005, 06:33 AM

JRF,
The home testers aren't dependable enough to base action on. What they can do is give a heads-up on the need to get a reliable lab test every so often, as you are doing now.

No, I don't think either your diet the last month or the fact that you are losing weight has had much of an impact on what you would have gotten otherwise. In any case, it's long term, year after year results that influence cardiac health.

You'd be surprised by how many people see that 240 Cholesterol on their first reading; it's more the norm than the exception (not that commonality makes it desirable

.)

Congratulations on the weight control and you will soon have a panel of numbers that will tell more than just a total cholesterol number.
While you're at it, especially if insurance is picking up the tab, ask your doctor to run a C-Reactive Protein(CRP) and a homocysteine level. THese are two important markers for coronary arterry health. Might as well get the whole shebang (well MOST of it) with one blood draw.

JRF · 01-12-2005, 08:32 AM

Thanks for your reply. It really helps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lenin

JRF,
The home testers aren't dependable enough to base action on. What they can do is give a heads-up on the need to get a reliable lab test every so often, as you are doing now.

Congratulations on the weight control and you will soon have a panel of numbers that will tell more than just a total cholesterol number.
While you're at it, especially if insurance is picking up the tab, ask your doctor to run a C-Reactive Protein(CRP) and a homocysteine level. THese are two important markers for coronary arterry health. Might as well get the whole shebang (well MOST of it) with one blood draw.

Michael01 · 01-12-2005, 08:42 AM

I'm not certain if the home tests are accurate or not. However, assuming it's 240 that's not all that high. You're not that far from the magic number of 200. You also need to know your HDL, LDL and Triglycerides. A blood test will give you all of this plus your Cholesterol/HDL Ratio. The fact that your concerned and wish to take action is so very positive. Except for New York and New Jersey you can order a blood test online which costs about $60. They give you a list of blood labs near your home. I live in NY and I have no choice but to see a Doctor.

JRF · 01-12-2005, 12:08 PM

Thanks!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael01

I'm not certain if the home tests are accurate or not. However, assuming it's 240 that's not all that high. You're not that far from the magic number of 200. You also need to know your HDL, LDL and Triglycerides.