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Hi I Am Concerned As I Have Very Low Hdl
Question: Hi I am concerned as i have very low hdl. This seems to be genetic. Is low hdl by itself a significant risk factor?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I understand your concern and would explain that HDL is a protective factor which helps lower your cardiovascular risk.
Anyway, low HDL should be correlated LDL and total cholesterol levels. It is not an independent risk factor.
You should know that Total Cholesterol/ HDL ratio and LDL,/HDL ratio are better indicators of your cardiovascular risk.
For this reason I would like to know those values in order to be able to give a more professional opinion .
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
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 HDL is a protective factor which helps lower your cardiovascular risk.
Anyway, low HDL should be correlated LDL and total cholesterol levels. It is not an independent risk factor.
You should know that Total Cholesterol/ HDL ratio and LDL,/HDL ratio are better indicators of your cardiovascular risk.
For this reason I would like to know those values in order to be able to give a more professional opinion .
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Hi, yes the ratios are off too
My HDL is very low at 18
My ldl is 61
My total cholesterol is 96
My non- hdl is 78
Triglycerides are 87
Vldl is 13
please let me know your thoughts and what i can do to prevent more risk
My HDL is very low at 18
My ldl is 61
My total cholesterol is 96
My non- hdl is 78
Triglycerides are 87
Vldl is 13
please let me know your thoughts and what i can do to prevent more risk
also, are there any other tests i can do to see if there is additional risk factors? blood test, etc
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Yes, I agree with you that HDL levels are really low. But this is also for total cholesterol levels.
So, in my opinion, there is no reason to worry for low HDL as the main problem is very low cholesterol levels too. This may lead to an increased risk for insomnia, anxiety, depression and even dementia in the future.
For this reason, I would recommend checking your thyroid hormone levels, in order to exclude possible thyroid gland dysfunction.
A diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids (fish, fish oil, walnuts, olive oil, etc.) would help improve your situation.
I would also recommend periodically check up every 12 months with chest X ray study, abdominal ultrasound and PSA levels, because low cholesterol levels may lead to an increased risk for malignancies (tumors) and low immunity.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Yes, I agree with you that HDL levels are really low. But this is also for total cholesterol levels.
So, in my opinion, there is no reason to worry for low HDL as the main problem is very low cholesterol levels too. This may lead to an increased risk for insomnia, anxiety, depression and even dementia in the future.
For this reason, I would recommend checking your thyroid hormone levels, in order to exclude possible thyroid gland dysfunction.
A diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids (fish, fish oil, walnuts, olive oil, etc.) would help improve your situation.
I would also recommend periodically check up every 12 months with chest X ray study, abdominal ultrasound and PSA levels, because low cholesterol levels may lead to an increased risk for malignancies (tumors) and low immunity.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
ok, but are you concerned at all about cardiovascular health and heart disease risk? Should i try to get my ldl lower since my hdl is so low?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
No, I would not recommend trying to lower LDL further as it is below the normal ranges.
There is no reason to worry about your cardio-vascular health, related to such HDL and LDL values.
Cholesterol is not always bad for the body. It is part of the brain cells and all the other cells and it helps improve the immune system. It is just important hold the balance : not too low, not to high.
I would not recommend trying to lower it further as it may be harmful to your body.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
No, I would not recommend trying to lower LDL further as it is below the normal ranges.
There is no reason to worry about your cardio-vascular health, related to such HDL and LDL values.
Cholesterol is not always bad for the body. It is part of the brain cells and all the other cells and it helps improve the immune system. It is just important hold the balance : not too low, not to high.
I would not recommend trying to lower it further as it may be harmful to your body.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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