Triglycerides
Low HDL & triglycerides, but high HDL?
My cholesterol test came back from the doc saying my total cholesterol is 221. My triglycerides were 83 and my HDL was 61, which the doc says is good, but my LDL was 141. I eat lots of whole grains and fruits/veggies and I exercise an hour a day, 6 days a week. What can be causing the high LDL, and how can I lower it?
Public Comments
- If you're not overweight it's probably genetics. Unfortunately it will be close to impossible to lower the LDL to less than 100 without drugs. Good luck, if you go the drug route, start with the lowest possible dose in a drug with a proven track record. There are many high priced newer drugs that don't work any better than the lower priced generics. Remember, once you start the drugs it's usually a life long treatment.
- There is more in your diet than that. Try reducing fat in your diet a little more. Especially trans fats, which can take more effort to avoid. Don't trust nutrition lists, look at ingredients. Nothing hydrogenated. Maybe you can increase your exercise intensity slightly without overdoing it. LDL 64 HDL 44 Tri's 59 Total 120 -------------- You may need a cholesterol lowering drug such as Lipitor or Vytorin.
- As a healthcare provider I congratulate you on a great HDL. It will help protect you. Your cholesterol is in part genetic. The only way to reduce this (if diet and exercise is as it should be) is to take medication. I would advise this. The effects of high cholesterol is worse than the side effects of the medication...if there is any. Most people do very well with these medications....and the meds work well.
