In Reply to: Can anyone help me read these numbers posted by Elizabeth Schwartz on November 14, 2000 at 14:44:10:

: Hi,
: I had my cholesterol tested last week because the last time I had it checked it was 215. The doctor said she wanted it under 200. It came back now at 130 but she said that she wanted me to get the HDL up by exercising more. Can anyone tell me what this means. Also, my triglycerides seem to be elevated. They are 250 and I think they should be under 150. What does all this mean?
: Can anyone help.

: Thanks
: Elizabeth

Elizabeth,
Its great that you are taking an active role in your health in getting your cholesterol checked. Exercise will increase your HDL and Diet will lower your LDL and Triglycerides. Unfortunately, your doctor or nurse should have spend a few minutes explaining the cholesterol numbers to you or give you a hand-out on cholesterol guidelines. The guidelines were made by a panel of doctors, National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP).

HDL less than 35 should be treated
HDL greater than 60 reduces your risk of heart attack.

Triglycerides less than 200 are not treated
TG 200-400 is Borderline High needs drug treatment
TG 400-1000 is High
TG 1000+ is very high

LDL over 190 is treated for everyone. Goal is 160 if no other risk factors of heart disease.

LDL over 160 is treated if there is heart disease risk (smoking, family history, diabetes, hypertension). Goal is LDL 130.

LDL over 130 for people that have had heart attacks. Goal is LDL under 100.

Having said this, 50% of the people that die of heart attacks have "healthy" cholesterol. Ask your doctor for a test on "LDL particle size" (the #1 predictor of heart attacks) and have your blood also tested for "Lp(a)" or "LP little A"( the #2 predictor of heart attacks) If your doctor is a family practice doctor or OBGYN, whe will not have heard of these because they fall under the Cardiologist or Endocrinologists' specialties.

• Thanx LipLittleA JJ 18:44:19 11/14/00 (0)