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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes An Increase In The LDL Cholesterol?

Three month effort to lower LDL Cholesterol and A1C. Very careful with diet; minimal intake of saturated fat, increased Omega-3 s, lots of vegetables, no refined carbs and very limited starches. Exercise 3-4 times per week. Have lost 14 pounds in three months, A1C reduced from 6.0 to 5.4, but LDL test came back with a 50 point increase. This was totally unexpected after a three month interval. Is there a chance that the test is in error? Thank you.
Wed, 16 Sep 2015
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

I understand your concern, and would like to confirm that based on your lifestyle modifications a decrease of LDL (instead of increase) would be expected.

I recommend you to repeat your blood lipid profile.

You should know that LDL levels are not a confident indicator of cardio vascular risk.

Instead the ratio Total Cholesterol/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios are more indicative of your cardiovascular risk.

If after repeating your test, your Total Cholesterol/HDL ratio is above 4.5, you would be at high risk for cardio vascular disease.

In such a case treatment with statin (atorvastatin, simvastatin, etc.) is needed to help you reduce your cholesterol levels (besides your lifestyle modifications).

Hope to have been helpful!

Feel free to ask any other questions, whenever you need!

Best wishes,

Dr. Iliri



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What Causes An Increase In The LDL Cholesterol?

Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM! I understand your concern, and would like to confirm that based on your lifestyle modifications a decrease of LDL (instead of increase) would be expected. I recommend you to repeat your blood lipid profile. You should know that LDL levels are not a confident indicator of cardio vascular risk. Instead the ratio Total Cholesterol/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios are more indicative of your cardiovascular risk. If after repeating your test, your Total Cholesterol/HDL ratio is above 4.5, you would be at high risk for cardio vascular disease. In such a case treatment with statin (atorvastatin, simvastatin, etc.) is needed to help you reduce your cholesterol levels (besides your lifestyle modifications). Hope to have been helpful! Feel free to ask any other questions, whenever you need! Best wishes, Dr. Iliri