New numbers - High Cholesterol Message Board

jenj770 · 06-03-2009, 04:29 AM

Total Cholesterol 228

HDL 111

LDL 105

TRI 71

These numbers seem fine to me but because I have a strong genetic predisposition for heart disease my doc wants the LDL to go below 80, which he says is the new parameter for high risk people. Any thoughts?

tjlhb · 06-03-2009, 09:10 AM

By strong genetic predisposition, do you mean that relatives get heart attacks even though they do not have the usual risk factors like smoking, high LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.?

jenj770 · 06-03-2009, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjlhb

By strong genetic predisposition, do you mean that relatives get heart attacks even though they do not have the usual risk factors like smoking, high LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.?

I guess I would have to say that most family members had some of the risk factors, diabetes, high b/p, or smokers, etc. but I am very healthy - thin, don't smoke, eat well, etc.... but if I don't do what I have been doing - using alternative type supplements, my cholesterol numbers start deteriorating. This they believe is due to my genetic makeup rather than poor eating habits and such.

tjlhb · 06-03-2009, 12:19 PM

If you are really worried about the possibility of having the less common risk factors not found in the usual blood cholesterol tests (e.g. Lp(A), small dense LDL that is more dangerous than large buoyant LDL, small dense HDL that is less protective than large buoyant HDL, homocystine, etc.), you may want to consider asking your doctor about the more extensive blood lipids tests. Especially if your doctor is recommending (more) medication (alternative or otherwise).

Note, however, that it is still possible to have excess body fat even if you are of "normal" weight, if you have too little muscle mass. If that is a problem, you may want to add strength training to gain muscle which will increase your metabolism that burns body fat, which may lower your LDL level.

Of course, if your diet is not optimal for lowering LDL levels (avoiding transfats from hydrogenated oils, avoiding saturated fats, consuming unsaturated fats instead), you may want to consider doing more of that. Higher fiber (especially soluble) consumption may help also. Some people have blood LDL levels that respond to dietary cholesterol, so if you think that is the case for you, you may want to avoid high cholesterol foods like egg yolks, squid, and shrimp.

ACE28 · 06-03-2009, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenj770

Total Cholesterol 228

HDL 111

LDL 105

TRI 71

These numbers seem fine to me but because I have a strong genetic predisposition for heart disease my doc wants the LDL to go below 80, which he says is the new parameter for high risk people. Any thoughts?

The HDL (If correct) is the highest I've ever seen posted. Your ratio which is the guidelines used by most cardiologists and Research Institutes of HDL/Total Cholesterol is excellent. There is a 2 % drop in heart disease risk for every point increase in your HDL number. Your Cholesterol numbers (especially HDL and Trigs) gives you an added protection that many do not have. Keep in mind that most Coronary incidents and strokes occurr in those with normal and healthy Total/LDL cholesterol levels. Those who drink alcohol on a daily basis (approx. 2 drinks a day) slash their heart disease risk and all cause mortality regardless of cholesterol or blood pressure numbers. The point is; Cholesterol is important, and you seem to have most bases covered, but do not neglect other blood factors such as Homocyteine and CRP. A CRP of > 1.0 indicates arterial inflammation. The higher the CRP the greater the systemic inflammation. Aspirin among many other medications/supplements lowers this inflammation.