I don't really understand what it all means (the numbers) - High Cholesterol Message Board

pwally · 07-17-2007, 09:27 PM

Just had my cholesteral test done last week. I am a vegetarian (ovo lacto). I think I eat pretty well.... so I was surprised at how high it is. my numbers are:

total 240 (I thought that meant these totals should add up to 240???)
hdl = 69
ldl = 167
trig = 132

I understand that my hdl is good at that number -- but I really don't understand what it all means. Can anyone explain it to me in simple terms? I'm 50, 5'6" and 144 pounds.....

Lenin · 07-18-2007, 08:20 AM

pwally,

Your numbers are probably worng.
The usual method is to calculate LDL from the other numbers with a formula:
TC = HDL + LDL + T/5
or LDL = TC - HDL - T/5

This would give you an LDL of 145, much better than the reported 167. Call your doctor and ask if there was a chance that the LDL was DIRECTLY MEASURED...it's not usually done that way becasue it's expensive.
If not, tell him the calculation was done wrong and ask him to contact the lab and correct it.