Just got my numbers, how are they? - High Cholesterol Message Board

gayle123 · 12-19-2007, 01:16 PM

I don't want to go on meds. but here are my numbers:
Total 221
LDL 137
HDL 75
Triglycerides 47

The nurse said my HDL was too high??!!

namelessme · 12-19-2007, 01:32 PM

Umm... a doctor wanted to put you on medication with those numbers? Why?

The only thing slightly higher than it should be is your LDL. Depending on risk factors (like if you had a heart attack) perhaps statins would be warranted to get your LDL under 100.

Otherwise, I see nothing that bad regarding your numbers. HDL is good to have, generally speaking, so no clue what the nurse is referring to.

Did you have a lipoprotein test, or a standard lipid profile? If the former, you should have a breakdown of HDL particles. If it's mostly HDL-2, you are in great shape.

gayle123 · 12-19-2007, 01:45 PM

Thanks namelessme, I don't know why my doctor wants to put me on meds for this. I don't have a history of heart disease. I recently had an excellent stress treadmill test. Came out with flying colors. I always heard HDL should be 60 or higher. I am going to try to lower my LDL. It just that I love to eat eggs for breakfast usuall 2-3. I guess my doctor says if the total cholesterol is above 200 prescribe pills automatically and regardless.

But I am not about to go on medication for this. I am already on HBP medication.
Thanks again

namelessme · 12-19-2007, 01:55 PM

Try some dietary changes to lower LDL, like you are planning, and see how the numbers go. I'd also advise asking for a lipoprotein test from your doctor next time (VAP, NMR), as they are not only more accurate, but they also show particle sizes.

A little known fact to many (seemingly) is that LDL doesn't cause heart disease. Small LDL particles are the culprit. Large fat LDLs are probably harmless, or close to it. So a regular cholesterol test isn't always useful in determining a person's true risk. That said, a high HDL is generally good to have and your low triglycerides are also great.

I've never heard of a doctor recommending medication simply because a person's total cholesterol is over 200, without taking into account overall risk factors and how LDL/HDL/Triglycerides break down. Frankly speaking, that's just dumb.

gayle123 · 12-19-2007, 03:36 PM

Namelessme,
Thanks, I guess it is because of my HBP. But as you say, my numbers are ok except for the LDL. My doctor says LDL should be below 100. I have head is under 130 is ok. I think I can drop my LDL by cutting back on eggs. I don't know if they did a lipoprotein test. I just had a fasting panel of blood tests. I will have to ask, hopefully they will know what I am talking about.