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What Causes Elevated Cholesterol Levels?
Just got back from the Doctor for my annual physical. I'm 53 years old, 6'4" 210 lbs and in pretty good shape. I'm curious why my total cholesterol went from 150, last year, to 182 this year. My Doc didn't seem concerned and he told me that I waas in "Excellent" health. Due to a knee injury, my cardio exercise has been lacking but I'm trying to find alternate exercises. I'm really curios why my cholesterol took such a big jump. It's never been that high before. Even when I didn't watch my diet at all.
Wed, 26 Aug 2015
Hello. Welcome to HCM and thank you for your question. I understand your concern.
In a highly trained body like yours, with regular and constant physical activity, cholesterol levels are due to the everyday physical activity. The lack of your physical activity, even for a short period of time, can produce these variations in cholesterol levels. I would stand by your doctor's statement, and stress that there is nothing to worry about as a cholesterol level of 182 mg/dL does not comprise any direct risk for heart disease. It is when it goes over 220 mg/dL when it matters. I do not think that any precautions are to be taken to lower these levels of total cholesterol, as they are in normal range. Also, whenever your knee will be ready, you will restart the regular physical activity, and your cholesterol levels will be around 150 mg/dL again.
I hope I was helpful with my answer. Take care.
Dr. Meriton
In a highly trained body like yours, with regular and constant physical activity, cholesterol levels are due to the everyday physical activity. The lack of your physical activity, even for a short period of time, can produce these variations in cholesterol levels. I would stand by your doctor's statement, and stress that there is nothing to worry about as a cholesterol level of 182 mg/dL does not comprise any direct risk for heart disease. It is when it goes over 220 mg/dL when it matters. I do not think that any precautions are to be taken to lower these levels of total cholesterol, as they are in normal range. Also, whenever your knee will be ready, you will restart the regular physical activity, and your cholesterol levels will be around 150 mg/dL again.
I hope I was helpful with my answer. Take care.
Dr. Meriton
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