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Hello, I Need Some Info --- Here Are My #s
Question: Hello, I need some info --- here are my #s - total cholesterol is 244- another test same day 249 --- my triglycerides is 58 - another test same day is 46 --- my LDL is 114-another test is 102 and my HDL is 123 - another test same day is 133 --would this constitute being put on statins? the LDL 114 and 102 is considered above optimal -- am 70 years old - female -- no diabetes, no high blood pressure -- no diseases - I only take one RX which is Levothyroxine
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I understand your concern and would explain that the main problem in your blood lipid profile is not LDL ( whichis borderline), but very high HDL.
You should know that HDL levels higher than 95mg/dl are not considered good any more, as they lead at an increased cardiovascular risk.
These high cholesterol levels are probably related to the thyroid gland dysfunction.
For this reason, I would recommend some diet modifications in the next three months ( low fat and sugar intake, more food rich in fibers and omega 3 fatty acids).
If after repeating the test, after 3 months, such high HDL levels persist, starting stating may be needed.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Ilir Sharka Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I understand your concern and would explain that the main problem in your blood lipid profile is not LDL ( whichis borderline), but very high HDL.
You should know that HDL levels higher than 95mg/dl are not considered good any more, as they lead at an increased cardiovascular risk.
These high cholesterol levels are probably related to the thyroid gland dysfunction.
For this reason, I would recommend some diet modifications in the next three months ( low fat and sugar intake, more food rich in fibers and omega 3 fatty acids).
If after repeating the test, after 3 months, such high HDL levels persist, starting stating may be needed.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Ilir Sharka Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
ok, well this is the first I've ever heard of hdl being too high. I thought the higher the better. My doctor is always impressed with my HDL. Exercise is what constitutes the HDL. I do exercise and get my heartbeat up to 150 to 180 during my cardio. Is that too high? I excercise up to 5 to 5 1/2 hours per week and lift weighst about 1 1/2 hours a week. I can slow down my cardio t not get to that high of an HDL. Will that work --- What do you suggest for a maximum heart rate after cardo workout i for my age of 70 years old?
And to clarify you are saying the LDL is borderline. What do you consider borderline? On he web it;s saying 100 to 150 is really o concern unless you have any health issues which I don't. Waiting to hear from you. Thank you
And to clarify you are saying the LDL is borderline. What do you consider borderline? On he web it;s saying 100 to 150 is really o concern unless you have any health issues which I don't. Waiting to hear from you. Thank you
what do u suggest after my cardio workout to get my heart beat up to? Right now I get anywhere between 150 to 180 beats per minutes which why my HDL is high which I thought the higher the better. I do cardio 5 to 51/2 hrs per week and lift weights 1 1/2 hrs per week. You had said my LDL is borderline -- I've read on the web that an LDL up to 150 is not a concern since I do not have
any diseases - except hypothyroidism. Last question are you then saying going on Statins right now for these numbers is not necessary? I will be awaiting for your answer --- Thank you
any diseases - except hypothyroidism. Last question are you then saying going on Statins right now for these numbers is not necessary? I will be awaiting for your answer --- Thank you
ok, one more thing -- I know I haven't heard from you with my 2nd and 3rd reply but last thing I want to know is -- if my HDL goes down will that bring my LDL down also??????? Thank you again --- after you answer my remaining 3 questins (2 of them are basically the same -- I repeated it because I didn't think it went through the first time) Thank you
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
It is true that HDL cholesterol is the good one, and protects you against atherosclerosis, but many studies have shown that when it is extremely high (above 95 mg/dl), it is a risk factor, and doesn't prtect you any more.
Such high HDL levels are not related to physical activity, but are usually genetic ( bssed on many studies). Sometimes, they could be attributed to liver inflammation. That is why, I would recommend checking also apolipoprotein(a) plssms levels, which are genetic, and PCR plasma levels, which indicates possible inflammation.
I don't think that reducing your physical activity will help reduce HDL levels.
Regarding your heart rate during exertion, it is quite a normal physiological reaction and I don't think that there is anything concerning.
Regarding LDL levels I would explain that levels below 100 mg/dl are considered normal, if there are no other comorbidities like diabetes, arterial hypertension, etc. That is why 110-120mg/dl is considered borderline and not a matter of concern.
Anyway I don't think that you should start statins right now, but it would be better try diet modifications and see if they work.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
It is true that HDL cholesterol is the good one, and protects you against atherosclerosis, but many studies have shown that when it is extremely high (above 95 mg/dl), it is a risk factor, and doesn't prtect you any more.
Such high HDL levels are not related to physical activity, but are usually genetic ( bssed on many studies). Sometimes, they could be attributed to liver inflammation. That is why, I would recommend checking also apolipoprotein(a) plssms levels, which are genetic, and PCR plasma levels, which indicates possible inflammation.
I don't think that reducing your physical activity will help reduce HDL levels.
Regarding your heart rate during exertion, it is quite a normal physiological reaction and I don't think that there is anything concerning.
Regarding LDL levels I would explain that levels below 100 mg/dl are considered normal, if there are no other comorbidities like diabetes, arterial hypertension, etc. That is why 110-120mg/dl is considered borderline and not a matter of concern.
Anyway I don't think that you should start statins right now, but it would be better try diet modifications and see if they work.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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