Lipid Profile

[Issangeorge]

I just had a lipid profile and it doesn't make sense to me.

1 cholesterol 225 <200

2 triglycerides 90 <150

3 HDL 33 40-60

4 LDL 48 <100

I always thought the three lower ones were to add up to the top one, and if the three lower ones are low, why is the top one high? Also I had my BP checked and it was 140/80, which they said was normal, and for a man of 64, I think it is. That reading is obtained by taking 5mg of Enalapril in the morning and 5 in the evening.

[Sheryl]

Total cholesterol is made up of HDL, LDL and VLDL. Triglycerides are a part of VLDL but not the only component so would not expect the last 3 values to equal the first.

Total cholesterol is not of importance except as a rough indication of need to get a full lipid profile.

Your results are ok except for the HDL which is low. Suggest eating more fish and/or taking fish oil capsules.

Systolic BP of 140 is borderline high but with a normsl diastolic may well just have reflected being a little nervous, common with BP readings taken in hospital or doctors office. If concerned get a bp machine and monitor it at home when you are relaxed.

[Issangeorge]

Thank you, they have me tendinitis for my cholesterol 300mg in the morning, but I am not going to take it. My BP was 140/80, and they said normal, but my bil's was 140/85 and they said it was high, so I guess they worry more about the diastolic level.

[Sheryl]

Thank you, they have me tendinitis for my cholesterol 300mg in the morning, but I am not going to take it. My BP was 140/80, and they said normal, but my bil's was 140/85 and they said it was high, so I guess they worry more about the diastolic level.

I don't understand what you mean by "tendinitis for my cholesterol 300mg in the morning" as tendinitis is not a drug but rather a musculoskeletal condition.

However if you were prescribed any drug for the lipid results you report, you are not dealing with very competent doctors and I would urge you to change. And not put much store in what they say/have said. If concerned about it see a specialist in lipid disorders.

[Issangeorge]

Sorry Sheryl, auto correct strikes again. The medicine was gemfibrozil. I am not taking it, will see what my lipid profile is in two months, this time they were all lower from last time unfortunately even the HDL.

[Sheryl]

Was the gemfibrozil just now precscribed or have you been on it for a while (in which case it may account for the decrease)? Your levels now do not warrant it but if your levels were significantly higher (for LDL and/or) triglycerides). the good readings now may reflect the efficacy of the medication and going off it might put you back where you were.

[Issangeorge]

No it was just now prescribed, last test the doctor asked me if I wanted medicine, and I said no. I have to get my HDL up, which I will try to do by eating more fatty fish, and taking a couple of cap fulls of olive oil a day, and see what it is like when I retest in July.

[Sheryl]

OK then. Indeed don't take it for now and do as you plan re diet and re-test.

I would have some qualms re the caliber of the doctor who prescribed this given your numbers, it suggests a lack of understanding of lipid profiles/outdated way of practicing.Total cholesterol is no basis for treatment.

[Issangeorge]

He was just the regular hospital doctor, as I say I think a student, sometimes I get one I have confidence with sometimes not. I'll see how my profile is in July and if not improved I'll take the results to my regular doctor and discuss them with him.

[Kalbo]

Most people aged 64 would be very satisfied with those numbers.

[moe666]

Most people aged 64 would be very satisfied with those numbers.

I would love to have those numbers my are too low 105 total last time, it should be at least 150 causes all kinds of problems.

[Maestro]

What value was 105 and should be at least150?

[smiles793]

Mayo clinic recommends to aim for Total chol:HDL less than 3.5:1 and total chol minus HDL less than 130.

I've found that oats reduces total chol and LDL like magic in a few weeks.

[brewsterbudgen]

Had mine done at Bumrungrad:

Cholesterol 229

Triglycerides 145

HDL-C 36

CHOL/HDL-C 6.4

LDL-C 175

LDL-C/HDL-C 4.9

All too high, but the doctor didn't want to prescribe medication. Advised lifestyle changes and another check in 6 months,

I've been put on to Tocotrienol, so will be giving that a go too.

[smiles793]

@brew my total chol, ldl, hdl went from 240, 175, 37 to 128, 79, 27 (since then adjusted up to a more desirable level and better ratios) in 6 weeks...

by quitting alcohol, jogging/cross-trainer 1 hour a day, brown rice with lots of fruit and veg. My weight also went to the "right" level; and naturally my overall fitness and immune system benefitted enormously. I've been vegetarian on and off for years, so that isn't a problem for me but I know it might be for some people.

I loathe taking medication, but will of course do so when it really is necessary; I've found it usually isn't

[brewsterbudgen]

@brew my total chol, ldl, hdl went from 240, 175, 37 to 128, 79, 27 (since then adjusted up to a more desirable level and better ratios) in 6 weeks...

by quitting alcohol, jogging/cross-trainer 1 hour a day, brown rice with lots of fruit and veg. My weight also went to the "right" level; and naturally my overall fitness and immune system benefitted enormously. I've been vegetarian on and off for years, so that isn't a problem for me but I know it might be for some people.

I loathe taking medication, but will of course do so when it really is necessary; I've found it usually isn't

Cheers. I manage to about an hour's cross-training every 2-3 days (I also do a fair bit of walking), have changed to brown rice whenever possible, rarely drink (wine occasionally and a beer once or twice a month), increased my fruit and veg intake. I can't quit meat though! And I still have a weekly full English, a pizza and the odd burger, every now and again.

My sisters are all on statins (in the UK) but I want to avoid this, The tocotrienol is a herbal supplement that has been getting good reviews.

[Sheryl]

Don't forget to add a lot of fiber...oatmeal is good but any high fiber will also help.