What's Best-TC/HDL or LDL/HDL Ratio-as a predictor of risk? - High Cholesterol Message Board

smyrnaboy · 10-19-2005, 10:08 AM

My last two fasting blood tests have yielded normal HDL and TRIGs, but high LDL. The high LDL is skewing the TC as high and above 200.

Dec. 2004 test:

Total: 241
LDL: 172
HDL: 42
Trig: 135

Oct. 2005 test:

Total: 238
LDL: 176
HDL: 46
Trig: 80

I'm 31, male, BMI 25.4 (slightly overweight-5'10" at 177 lbs.), normal BP, normal HR, not diabetic, and no history of premature heart disease in family.

Thoughts as to the LDL? Thoughts as to the better ratio to rely on? Thanks.

Lenin · 10-20-2005, 06:50 AM

smyrnaboy,

Within testing error, I'd say the results of both tests are indentical for all practical purposes.

And, of course, it's your LDL that's high giving a ratio of TC/HDL in the 5's rather than below 4.0.

I'd cut the saturated fat from the diet as much as posssible. Seek out a few of the biggest fatty offenders and work on them. Dairy is often a good starting place. I assume trans-fats are already gone.
Eat more fish (but have you checked the PRICES lately?

)

Drop 10 pounds.

smyrnaboy · 10-20-2005, 01:57 PM

Lenin:

Thanks for the tip-do my numbers seem particularly bad or difficult (the LDL) to lower with exercise/diet? I agree-10 lbs. will put me at my ideal weight and likely drop the LDL and TC to a desireable level. So annoying that both times the LDL were the only high numbers.

Thanks.

Lenin · 10-21-2005, 07:42 AM

I think that cutting saturated fats below 10% of your calories stands a pretty good chance of getting the LDL's down. It's not easy because I'm trying it and I know.

If 6 months of a diet like that doesn't help enough, then in light of the lowish HDL's, there's always the statins.